~Maxine Kumin (1925-2014)
For Poetry Friday, we have a poem by Maxine Kumin and a Winter Poetry Swap announcement. This morning, I took my 16-year-old cat to the vet. Dr. V. was startled when he saw Cleo's age on the chart because he thought she was younger. I can't take credit for the twinkle in her eye (or the fact that she purred through getting a shot), but nurturing --animals, children, plants-- is kind of my specialty. Which brings us to today's poem, "Nurture":
Nurture
by Maxine W. Kumin
From a documentary on marsupials I learn
that a pillowcase makes a fine
substitute pouch for an orphaned kangaroo.
I am drawn to such dramas of animal rescue.
They are warm in the throat. I suffer, the critic proclaims,
from an overabundance of maternal genes.
Bring me your fallen fledgling, your bummer lamb,
Read the rest here
***************
Want to take part in the Winter Poetry Swap 2014?
by Elena Y, age 13
I would like for this to be for non-poets as well as poets, which is something different. Usually, people write poems for their swappee, and I would like for poets to do that this time. But if you are a fan of poetry who doesn't write poems, you can still participate.
Okay, so what do you need to do to be part of the swap? Send me your name and mailing address by November 7th. I will give you someone's name and address. Send that person a poem -- if you are a poet, write one; if you aren't, pick one with them in mind. I don't ask that poets write poems with their swappee in mind, just because I know muses can be fickle creatures, but people often do.
A special part of the Winter Swap is gift-giving. In addition to a poem, swappers send small presents to each other. It could be something handmade. It's really your call. The deadline for sending your swap friend a poem and gift is December 12.
Sound like fun? Join in! You can email me at tabatha(at)tabathayeatts(dot)com.
The Poetry Friday round-up is at Merely Day by Day.
16 comments:
Nice to hear about your sweet cat, Tabatha. The poem reminds me of more than one person, or thing, especially my brother, taking in and then forming a rescue group for abandoned animals. Love "given my fireside inked with paw prints,/there would have been room." It's a beautiful poem.
This final line really made it for me: "Laughter our first noun". How I wish there were more laughs in the world right now.
Great story about your cat -- no wonder she is so healthy living with you. :) Love the poem too (new to me).
Hi, Tabatha. I'm looking forward to the swap again this year. The givers are always so inventive and I've enjoyed making a little hand-made gift for my swap partner.
I'm sighing over Maxine Kumin. Her poems appear so straightforward, but are filled with light. The sounds in lamb/barn/corn -- wow.
Nurturing is a wonderful specialty to have, Tabatha, that's for sure! The Maxine Kumin poem suits you well. Happy to hear Cleo sparkled and purred through her visit with a clean bill of health. Also, Elena's banner for the winter swap is lovely!
Laughter our first noun, and our long verb, howl.
I'm thinking of all the pets (and some children) that I've had a chance to nurture, and that line sticks.
So glad that non poets can be part of the swap - so I can participate!
What a perfect little post, and I adore Maxine's line about the critics accusing her of an overabundance of maternal genes *as if that could ill affect a poet's work). I can't participate in the swap I think, but that's my kind of Secret Santa!
Loved your quote, "The time on either side of now stands fast." I am not familiar with the work of Maxine Kumin, but I am off to learn more.
I also was excited to see your poetry swap information. I've never participated in a swap so I may have to give this a try.
Thanks for joining (and sorry to be late getting around --- yesterday ended differently than I had planned).
Cathy
Tabatha, I love this (new to me) poem! Thanks for this. And loved hearing about your cat. My 11 year old cat is sitting next to me as I type this. :)
What a wonderfully fun poem. I had not read this one before, so I'm delighted to find it. Kudos on the nurtured cat!
Count me in for the swap!
So glad your cat had a good check up. Noah (the cat we live with) says "hi". He is a rescue cat...not that he rescues anyone really.
My cat, Cleo, is also 16-years-old! Not quite the mouser she used to be, but she's paid her dues. Glad to hear yours is doing well! Thanks for sharing that poem...I'd always hoped I could meet Maxine, as she lived here in town, but ever did. And since there have been no guys signing up for your swap, I'd be happy to join in
Love the final lines in that Kumin poem!
It is a kind of suffering--nurturing--or can be at some stages.
I'm interested in the poetry swap, although not a poet.
Love your quote, Tabatha, that nurturing is "kind of my specialty". It is what we all should strive to be Nurturing Specialist. Thanks for sharing Kumin's poem.
Tabatha,
I just saw your reminder about the swap. I'm sorry to have missed the deadline. Hopefully I can join the next one. I tried to send you an email, but it was returned saying your mailbox is full.
Thanks again for thinking of me,
Cathy
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