poetry friday roundup is here!

~ jama

 

Welcome to Poetry Friday at Alphabet Soup!

Today, just for you — sip some tea, nibble on a macaron, and gently savor Charles Ghigna’s heartening and beautifully crafted reflections on creativity.

I am honored to share three poetic pieces from his new book, Dear Poet: Notes to a Young Writer (Resource Publications, 2019).

Described as, “A Poetic Journey into the Creative Process for Readers, Writers, Artists & Dreamers,” this collection of twenty-four spare, unadorned “word-gems” is an insightful gift to all creatives, offering both invaluable advice and spiritual nourishment.

As I enter my seventh decade on this planet, I wonder what words of wisdom I might have written to the younger me. What treasured tidbits have I learned along the way? What could I leave in a letter to young artists and poets searching the world for advice, guidance, and inspiration.

The creative process is a mysterious one, muses can be fickle, and in endeavors where one’s reach almost always exceeds one’s grasp, the life of the artist can be daunting and lonely.

I have always believed that in a sense, you cannot actually “teach” someone how to write, just as you cannot teach someone how to think or how to feel. And while there are many helpful books about honing your craft with suggestions about form, structure, voice, etc., detailing the more technical aspects of writing, sometimes what a writer needs, or craves . . . are simple, enduring truths gleaned from years of experience.

As I read the short yet profound poems, I silently cheered in affirmation. Yes, trust your instincts, speak the truth in your heart, find your authentic voice, get out of your own way and let the work speak for itself. Only write if you must.

Dear Poet is like having a trusted friend nearby, reminding you of what is most important. Though the subtitle is, “Notes to a Young Writer,” these words are for everyone, no matter where you are on your creative journey. Aren’t all artists and writers eternally young (in a constant state of beginning)?

I’m pairing today’s poems with art created by Charles’s son Chip, who also lives and works in Homewood, Alabama. As you can see, artistic talent runs deep in this family (Charles’s wife Debra is also a poet).

Good things do come in small packages. Read these delectable nuggets slowly and ponder  . . . 🙂

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“Hang Onto Your Dreams” (acrylic on canvas)

 

XII.

A silent rhyme
upon the page
is what the poet gives,

gentle words
whispered in trust
to see if memory lives.

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“Raising the Moon” (acrylic on canvas)

 

XVII.

A poem
is a rising moon
shining on the sea,

an afterglow
of all you know,
of all your dreams set free.

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“Crimson Forest” (acrylic and gold leaf on canvas)

 

XXIV.

The answer
to the artist
comes quicker than a blink,

though the spark
of inspiration
is not what you might think.

The muse
is full of magic,
though her vision may be dim.

The artist
does not choose the work.
It is the work that chooses him.

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“Bear on a Bicycle”

 

Now, please leave your links with the dashing Mr. Linky below. Have fun visiting all the blogs serving up delectable poetic goodness this week!

 

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DEAR POET: Notes to a Young Writer
written by Charles Ghigna
published by Resource Publications, August 2019
Poetry Collection, 56 pp.

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“Autumn” (acrylic, gesso, book pages and leaves on canvas)

 

♥ For information about where you can purchase Chip Ghigna’s amazing art, please visit his Official Website.

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* Images posted by permission, copyright © 2019 Chip Ghigna. All rights reserved.

** Copyright © 2019 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.

 

35 thoughts on “poetry friday roundup is here!”

  1. Thank you for telling us about Charles’ book. It was lovely to read his poems paired with Chip’s art. That bear on a bicycle has souch personality. Thanks for hosting this week, Jama!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. What a fabulous collaborative effort from the talented Ghignas! This is a book that was already on my “to buy” list, but your post, and the peek inside, has moved it up a bit higher. I love the deceptive simplicity of these poems and the amazing artwork. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this week!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Thanks, Jama, for sharing a few peeks into this brand new guide from Papa Goose! (& Hearty Congrats, Charles. :0) )
    Talent does run deep in this family; I’ve enjoyed seeing Chip’s amazing artwork through postings over the years. These pieces here are all wonderful, and of course I’m quite smitten with the last one, its book pages, and so much motion therein… (& please pass the macarons?).

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Oh, I need this book! What a beautiful review…the artwork and poetry pairings are stunning. I’m especially taken with ‘Autumn’ and the pages of text scattered there. And macaron? Yes please! This week, I take my inspiration from a photo by Molly Hogan. Her work is amazing…..and, because you are host a recipe poem.

    Liked by 2 people

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  7. Thank you for hosting today and for sharing the peek inside Charles’ book. It is indeed full of gems—or nougats to savor if these three are any indication. And his son’s art is breathtaking!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. This is a true delight! These meditative poems hold a lot of truth. I could not agree more that the work chooses a writer…and an artist too. I love that Father and Son Goose alike know the muse and share in her light. Even a bear for Cornelius! I will be purchasing this book – thank you for sharing and for hosting. Happy Poetry Friday!

    Liked by 2 people

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  20. Thanks for hosting, Jama. As usual, I loved reading your entry and will look for Charles’s new book. Love these lines suggesting that a poem is “an afterglow / of all you know.”

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Thanks for hosting us today! This book has been sitting at my spot at the table for weeks! I am waiting to open it until I have time to savor it properly. Thanks for the nibble!

    Liked by 2 people

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  24. I always look forward to your posts, and today’s was especially wonderful. I’ve been wondering what to get my Kiddo for Christmas. She’s visiting from China and we’re having an early celebration. Dear Poet is perfect, since she has writing aspirations and has just started to explore poetry.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. Oooh, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this one. The poetry and the art … beautiful! I, too, agree with the wonderful line about the work choosing the artist. Lovely. Thanks for hosting, Jama!

    Liked by 3 people

  30. Thank you for hosting today, Jama, and for this peek into Charles’s new book. These small poems are so wise. I especially love “A poem/is a rising moon/shining on the sea.” Chip’s art is gorgeous and is a perfect pairing with these poems.

    Liked by 2 people

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  32. What a feast! Macarons, tea, and luscious poems and images. Thanks so much for sharing all of this. I’m definitely going to check out the book for myself. As you so truly say, as artists, we are all young.
    And thanks for hosting this week, too.

    Liked by 2 people

  34. A poem
    is a rising moon
    shining on the sea,

    an afterglow
    of all you know,
    of all your dreams set free.

    I swoon. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this. Thanks for sharing this treasure and for hosting this week, jama.

    Liked by 1 person

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