We Two, Same and Not-Same

The time on either side of now stands fast.
~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

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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.