Inspired by my friend and fellow writer, Caroline Tanski, I’m finally taking up the challenge of National Poetry Month, by participating in NaPoWriMo. This means I will write a poem a day, every day for the month of April.
ALSO, since poetry is more than just words, I plan to give you a photo each day as well, which I think is a poem in itself.
Here is my first Photo Poem. If you could put words to this photograph, what would they be?
I would love to be influenced by YOUR favorite poems, and will use inspiration from each of your favorites to craft my own. You’re welcome to join in the fun!
Today, April 1st, I’m giving you one of my favorite poems, “Abou Ben Adhem” (may his tribe increase!)
Mom read it to me regularly as a child, and she asked for it to be read at her funeral. It really wrecked me to take those poignant childhood memories and combine them with my last memories of her life. But it was also a perfect choice by her, a parting wish and hope to continue her legacy of humanity and love.
The point of this poem is goodness. While Mom had strong Christian faith, she also unwaveringly believed that how we treat each other matters so much in this life. I hope regular readers of my work have realized that I try to live my life based on the internalized message of this simple poem.
Please take a moment to read Leigh Hunt’s classic poem, here: “Abou Ben Adhem.”
Now, how about you? Please give me a link to (or title/author of) your favorite poem in the comments below, and each day I’ll share your favorites (and more of mine) with readers!
Love, Marla
