Crazy Days and Time for Class
By Renato Ganoza from 郑州, 中国 (DSC_9655 Uploaded by Dcoetzee) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Balloon
At first it’s nothing but a rag,
a worm uncurled along your hand,
but then you fill it with your breath—
it grows and grows, its skin pulled thin.
It swells with pride to be so loved,
it almost seems to glow and grin,
but then you give it one more blow—
too much for it to bear, it tears,
and then you have your rag again.
I’ve been crazy busy lately. That’s why I haven’t been writing and blogging as consistently. Given our family’s overwhelming situation, I felt I had two options. Option one: write less and don’t worry about. Honestly, I get kind of grumpy when I don’t write, so that option didn’t seem so good. Instead I went with option two: Sign up for a class! I know, in a way it makes no sense—I’m too busy so what I need is one more activity? But that’s not how I thought of it. What I thought was: I need some assignments and deadlines. Assignments and deadlines will keep me writing and growing. That’s how I found myself at Renee LaTulippe’s door, begging to be included in her Lyrical Language Lab. It’s only been two days, but boy am I impressed by her program, and so far my strategy’s worked. The poem above is my first poem for class. Can you guess what we’re studying?
For more Poetry Friday, visit Jama for some delicious and nutritious poetry and…hmmm…what else do you think she’ll be serving?
This image is from Wiki Commons. Here’s the link.
Renee is great, isn’t she! Love your balloon poem! “It almost seems to grow and grin” is a wonderful line!
Hi Penny, I was thinking about cutting that line to make the poem 8 lines. I guess maybe I won’t!
I am just finishing September’s work with Renee, Liz. What a marvelous & inspiring experience. And what a great option for you, too. I love your poem, a new look at balloons (rather sad, too).
I love that last line! So great to have you in class, Liz. 🙂
testing.
Nice poem, Liz! I love the idea of the balloon swelling with pride, glowing, and grinning. Makes the ending a bit sad, but then again, I’ve always thought of popped balloons as a bit tragic. One day I’ll get myself into Renee’s class… one day
Love the poem, Liz.
Thanks, Gabe.
I love the line: “It swells with pride to be so loved” – balloons are a favorite for my girls, especially water balloons! Good for you taking Renee’s class and making time for yourself and your writing. I’m looking forward to reading all the gems that come from your experience. = )