24 Poems ~ 24 Hours
Tina grew up along the Atlantic coast in Oyster Bay, NY then, newly married, traded oceans for the Pacific settling in a suburb of Seattle. Starting as a kindergarten teacher, her professional roles have included principal, trainer, mentor, and Assistant Superintendent. She lives near her daughter Jenny, her favorite creative partner. She is active in social and political issues and in her Episcopal church.
Starling beats her wings on the porch roof,
blind to the open door.
Infant cries for the ball
rolled barely beyond her reach.
Seen from below, the ladder to the belfry
leads to utter darkness.
A decade younger me saw older age
in tones of grey and soot.
Now, sewn further with time’s needle,
I weave new doors,
come to a place that leads everywhere,
enfolded in the questions that can
make or unmake a life.
Grey Morning
After Diana Khoi Nguyen
Pale spots on the bronze locket.
Decaying lace melts into our fingers.
There – on the wall – a key.
What could it unlock?
In the strange room, we played strings on a broken harp.
This is how she found us,
The past draped around us like a cloak.
Hi, I’m Tina from near Seattle. I was part of the marathon two years ago and had a blast. Last year unexpected guests redirected my energies – but I was mumbling poems all weekend and missed the fellowship of dedicated poets focusing their energy to brighten and deepen our world. I look forward to being part of our positive world-building this year.
Oliver made me do it! Well, he suggested it, then Carol, Heidi and I recognized a good thing and joined. I appreciate being part of a worldwide search for new and wonderful poems. Here in the Seattle area the marathon starts at 6 am (earlier than my usual wake-up time) so I’ve set my alarm and plan an early bedtime. I have a pile of beautifully blank lined paper and pens set out. The idea of writing a one line poem is both a relief and a challenge, for I know that sometime during the day I have to go to my daughter’s house and feed her cats. I know that has to fit in sometime. Welcome, friends, to this joint quest!