beginnings can be
difficult–but we can choose
to begin again…
© 2021 Michelle Kogan
Happy Poetry Friday!
My thoughts and poems are on the events of our US Certification Day, and the aftermath that unfolded… I’m still processing, but I’m also in teaching mode, and have shared the beginning of a drawing that I will continue with my students as a demo, for beginnings are important, and even if we fail we can begin again…
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY?
January 6, 2021 US Certification Day– We
watch as violent assaults are
carried out aiming to destroy democracy. It’s going
going–wait–the House is swept, the senators return to
continue certification–You see
American’s persevere, we’re told, we’re survivors, whether
you were born here or arrived here, but today our
Democratic value system
paraded its vulnerability, its fragile works–
In dire need of deep repair, or–
inevitable collapse– But I hope not…
© 2021 Michelle Kogan
Golden Shovel–line from Michael Beschloss comments on the PBS Newshour Special Coverage, 1-6-2021.
Sylvia Vardell at her blog Poetry for Children is hosting this weeks Poetry Friday Roundup, thanks for hosting Sylvia!
Visit Renée LaTulippe at No Water River to find out more about what Poetry Friday is.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Like you I’m still processing (in poetry, too) the events of this week. Your beginnings poem whispers hope–and I do hope we can have a fresh beginning.
Thanks Kay, Yes lots of hope, patience, and perseverance.
Well done for dinging a way to teach hope during this tumultuous time. Here’s to new (positive) beginnings.
Hi Sally, I think it’s going to take a long time to mend this countries woes, and lots of perseverance, thanks.
Dinging a way? My fingers were not listening to my head at all – FINDING a way.
I just read the NYTimes article showing the rioters in the building & some of their comments. It is not a happy one to read & try to digest another’s view. I love the way you share your art in those first stages, ready for the beginnings, Michelle. And, we must begin to find ways to gather together for that “deep repair”. Thank you for a powerful message.
Thanks for sharing a bit of news Linda, I haven’t gotten my NYTimes fix today as I was teaching this morning. Yes we’ve chasms of repair to do…
Hi, Michelle and thanks for bravely sharing your work in response to the events of this week. We all need more healing, I agree! Thanks also for joining our Poetry Friday gathering– so meaningful right now, in particular!
I was in a poetry experiment a few years ago and wore a sign out in public that said “Poetry Heals,” I truly believe it does. Thanks to you and Janet for all your poetry anthologies you generously fill us with!
Thank you for your poem of observation. We have so much clean-up work to do. Thank goodness we can begin again. It’s nice to see a painting in process. It’s magical to me to see a piece of art made. Happy New Year to you.
Michelle! What a great idea to do a golden shovel with some of the words of this ghastly yet historical time… I’m grateful for your voice when others have lost theirs (and their minds, clearly). Be well. Happy weekend.
Appreciations for your Certification Day post with hopeful poem, the evergreens with moon in progress & the Tracy Chapman “New Beginnings” listen. It helps.
I always appreciate your creativity, Michelle! Thank you for sharing a WIP and your Certification Day poem. It was (for me) hard to write this week; I spent a lot of time looking at nature photography or going outside to take some more photos. Still processing, too! Take Care!
“We can chose/ to begin again.” It’s naive to think that our Democracy won’t have it’s crises, even horrible ones. I am proud that when things came to a head, it didn’t defeat us and that we might be stronger and in less denial about what America is. I hope. Still, it’s not over by a long shot. I enjoyed your Golden Shovel.
There is much to process from the week that was. I find hope in your new beginnings poem – not just for governments, but for us as individuals, too.
Thank you for sharing! I am also hoping “we can choose to begin again” after this difficult week.
Using a quote from a news source today — great inspiration for a poem of the moment, Michelle. What you write this week becomes part of history’s record.
Love seeing your work in progress, Michelle. And your poems! The phrase “fragile works”–perfect. And your haiku’s line breaks and turn make it so interesting. Plus the cherry on top is Tracy Chapman. Love her voice! What a celebration of a post, even during really horrific times. Thank you for the hope.
Your poem is a brave witnessing to these events, Michelle. Thank you for your words and your teacherly wisdom. 🙂
Your golden shovel is perfect. Thanks, Michelle. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
YES to new beginnings! We’ll get through this. I believe in the strength of our democracy.