Poetry In Small Moments
One of my monthly writing invitations for the Lexington Poetry Gauntlet was to take a deep dive into the poetry of Aimee Nezhukumatathil via the Poetry Foundation. I also checked out Poets.org because that is often my go-to when searching for poetry or inspiration.
I have always loved a found poem and for that reason alone I would love Dear Amy Nehzooukammyatootill, but then add in the Walt Whitman and self deprecating humor of it all and it was such so much fun. I don’t write enough fun poetry.
I grew up surrounded by fruit farmers, dated a few, friends with many, and witnessed the dates and marriages of more than a few so of course I was drawn to The Woman Who Turned Down a Date with a Cherry Farmer. I love the funny slightly wistful tone of a path not chosen.
No one who has spent much time with me (or my writing) should be surprised to learn I was very inspired by What I Learned From the Incredible Hulk. I have written before about the inspiration I found in several Marvel superheroes but now I suppose I will need to actually find a poem in one of those writings.
Baked Goods is not funny or sexy but I have been thinking about it for a while and I love the landing: let us never be rescued from this mess. Life and aspiration in a poem.
On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance is similarly powerful and full of layers to explore as every tasty poem should be. She is wonderful at capturing a moment with all the senses.
I am glad that I re-read my instructions before diving too deeply into the Poets.org collection because I enjoyed the curation offered by the Poetry Foundation so much more but I could not resist landing on Wrap.
Whether you explore one or several Aimee Nezhukumatathil poems I think the invitation to write might just focus on capturing/exploring one snapshot in time – hopefully something funny or at least a little silly or awkward. My whole life has been lived for this mission.
