How to Read Barbara Kingsolver
Reading her poetry
is like splashing liniment
on my right shoulder
that is stiff
My range is limited
only improves by increments
is measured by stretches
and tasks out of reach
by scrawling warm-ups
of the best blind intentions
to throw the first pitch
that will lead to finished work
But there is no instruction
to unleash the mind
no way to know
how she makes it look easy
I read only one
with no heavy lifting
and swing my aim
in the right direction
I pay attention
not to add insult to injury
by lowering my standards
to increase my chances
and remembering
that no one
has the final word
_______Colleen Redman / Poets and Storytellers United
January 31st, 2021 2:02 am
I love these words “But there is no instruction
to unleash the mind” Very true It’s amazing how some poets make it look easy and indeed no one has the final word
January 31st, 2021 2:08 am
Well, I can see I shall have to make the acquaintance of this poet!
January 31st, 2021 3:48 am
I love the way you compare reading poetry to the flexing of stiff muscles, Colleen. Sometimes we have to ease ourselves into a poet’s work – and yes, no one has the final word in poetry.
January 31st, 2021 6:32 am
How liniment soothes stiff muscles as reading BK sounds like something I would want to enjoy rather than try to understand. The closest I got to Barbara Kingsolver was taking a photo of one of her books. Very pretty cover. The inside must also be a treat.
January 31st, 2021 9:19 am
Two of my faves (both BK and CR).
Reading this made me think about the days following my shoulder replacement, when part of my recovery PT involved putting the dishes away.
Have a great day, Sister.
January 31st, 2021 11:12 am
Love the way poetry is both the practice and the balm for that practice.
January 31st, 2021 1:22 pm
Ah, I’d like to hear your process notes for this one. It is really clever how you took a stiff shoulder and wove it into writing and reading poetry.
January 31st, 2021 1:31 pm
How I identified with this! Often, when I read a poem that I understand not at all, I find myself feeling somehow insulted, which I suppose is akin to the insulted muscle of a stiff shoulder!! I always enjoy your work!
January 31st, 2021 3:01 pm
The inspiration/ intimidation combination after indulging in some of my favorite word art is so familiar to me too. I try to minimize the effect of the latter so I can reap the benefits of the former.
January 31st, 2021 3:43 pm
Love ‘no one has the final word’ … true! I recently read “Unsheltered by B.K. …. fascinating novel. Thanks for the wonderful comment gift you left on my old tooth brush poem.
January 31st, 2021 4:51 pm
I love the metaphor–so true for some case–and agree with the conclusion.
January 31st, 2021 7:00 pm
“…no one has the final word” Wow! Wouldn’t that be funny if that’s what Einstein’s theory of E=mc2 is all about?
January 31st, 2021 11:37 pm
Wonderful perspective on writing Colleen!
February 1st, 2021 10:03 am
Excellent metaphor.
I love how poetry seems to flow with ease from some, but sometimes don’t get others poetry at all.
Maybe I should work harder at doing so!
Anna :o]
February 1st, 2021 10:11 am
Kingsolver’s poetry is easy to get and she’s so good at it. It loosened me up for my own writing.