Happy Poetry Friday!
I’m very happy this week to share Joyce Ray’s treasure-filled Winter Poem Swap. In our poems and gifts to each other, ours thoughts both seemed to draw from historical spiritual, and social justice callings.
The little poem books, Joyce mentioned, where “lying around for the taking” at the Edinburgh Poetry Library–which sounds like a place I’d like to visit…
The Heartbeat of Takami, has quotes by Toshihiro Takami about reflections of ourselves, along with lovely watercolor art by Hisako Nojima. The beautiful dove ornament is called the “LI BIEN” Ornament, “Li Bien” in Chinese means “inside.” This ornament was painted by an artist via a small opening and painted on the inside with a miniature brush over two days. The happy little mouse–which you can bend into any position– comes from New Hampshire, I think she may prove to be a great little model…
and Joyce’s poem inside…
HAPPY IS THE MOMENT, calls out an answer to the present political turmoil I’ve been voicing in many of my poems, and specifically my poem, AMERICA EMERGE, which she included in this beautiful poetry book.
Happy is the moment
When Love
wrapped in a cloud of divine grace
rains pearl upon the desert
~Rumi
When Peace
disguised as a dove
flies through the cracks in hearts
that would build walls
When Truth
veiled by self-serving lies
floods over parched and thirsty minds
like rivers enriching their deltas
When Justice
cloaked in liberty for all
pours out freedom
for LGBTQ persons and all of us to be who we are
When Mercy
woven into reformed justice systems
breaks the bonds of captives
deserving of second chances
When Compassion
knit into shawls of comfort
welcomes immigrants and asylum seekers
like monarchs bearing beauty across the desert
Joyce Ray © 2019 all rights reserved.
Joyce’s poem couldn’t have come at a more apropos time with the debate over the impeachment hearing in the U.S. taking place. I loved both the sting and joy she brought into her poem–I won’t pick out a favorite stanza for I liked them all and read these dual feelings that she’s woven into each stanza. I also like how the poem looks on the page and the rhythm of it without any punctuation. She closes with our/my dear monarchs. Thanks for this heartfelt lovely package Joy, and thanks also to Tabatha Yeatts for organizing the Winter Poem Swap!
Here are the haiku poems I’ve written this last week for Nature in December and that I’m tagging #natember:
12-12-2019
imagine
planetary justice
full-moon gazing
imagine
sky-seas lapis lazuli
full-moon gazing
imagine
solace world-wide
full-moon gazing
12-11-2019
dusted december’s cold cuts through down into your bones
12-10-2019
birthday greetings
dear emily, through time and
snowflakes of love
12-9-2019
starlight realigns antlers into magical possibilities…
Holiday Card at: Michelle Kogan Fine Art.
12-8-2019
being tree waiting through winter working for change!
© 2019 Michelle Kogan
Liz Steinglass at her blog Elizabeth Steinglass Poetry for Children and their Grownups is hosting this weeks Poetry Friday Roundup, thanks Liz! She’s written a poem about her favorite word.
Visit Renée LaTulippe’s site No Water River to find out more about what Poetry Friday is.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Good Morning, Michelle! What a rich post. The Poetry Swap just fills me with delight. I so enjoy seeing how one package can bring so much delight to each of us. Thank you for sharing Joyce’s poem. The repeating word of when with the big meaningful ideas such as truth and justice and mercy are effective starts for each stanza. And, thank you for your dear, haiku for Emily Dickinson. It’s sure to have reached her…wherever she is.
Michelle, what a lovely poetry swap package you received. Thank you for sharing a bit of it with us. Your poems are lovely. Today, I’m very much feeling, “dusted december’s cold cuts through down into your bones.”
Oh my gosh, Michelle, thank you for this beautiful, bounteous post. I feel as you did receiving your winter poetry swap–thankful for this heartfelt lovely package of joy! I absolutely adore your protesting tree.
Yes, the Poetry Swap is a beautiful thing and Joyce has shown you some beauty in the way we all hope life will be, Michelle. I cling to that hope, wishing that things were calmer. Each part of Joyce’s gift must have brought big smiles to you. And, I’ve loved your own haiku this week. A favorite is that tree drawing. They are speaking to us! Have a lovely weekend!
This whole post is of rains pearling upon the desert… Thank you! xo
Thanks for sharing your poetry swap treasures. The book with both your poems is wonderful — a perfect pairing! Love the Emily birthday tribute too. 🙂
Birthday greetings/ dear emily . . . through time/ and snowflakes of love. Lovely haiku and lovely picture.
Michelle, it makes my heart sing to know our Poetry Swap brought you joy. I’ll be sharing the lovely poem you crafted for me next week! Today, I am thankful you reminded me of Emily’s birthday and relish this haiku you shared:
imagine
solace world-wide
full-moon gazing
It makes me remember that full-moon gazing is one part of Japanese culture. The repetitive end sounds in solace and gaze show craft, and I love the idea of “Imagine” haiku. World-wide solace is worth imagining!
What a wonderful poetry swap, and I love your haikus, too. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Joyce is a marvel-filled swapper! Layers of treats to explore.
This imagery particularly struck me: “When Peace/disguised as a dove/flies through the cracks in hearts/that would build walls.”
Enjoyed your haiku and your outspoken tree!
What a lovely poetry package filled with goodness. I have to agree that Joyce’s poem is perfect for these times–so much wrapped into each stanza. I enjoyed your imagine haiku.
What a lovely poetry (care) package from Joyce. Such a fun way to celebrate friendship and our mutual love of poetry. Huzzah!
Oh, how I DO love Joyce’s poem! Perfection. (I’ve been loving your haiku on Twitter!!)