So April is national poetry month. I’m a little behind the ball, but still snuck in just under the wire. I’ve never really been into poetry, but I do like some stuff. Since I’m a fan of Walt Whitman, I will incorporate a piece from his Leaves of Grass in honor of national poetry month. Here’s my rendition with photograph visuals to help you understand the meaning of Walt’s words (yeah right):
“I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat,
the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench,
the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter’s song,
the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning,
or at noon intermission
or at sundown
The delicious singing of the mother,
or of the young wife at work,
or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day —
at night the party of young fellows,
robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.”
So as you can see, sometimes I find poetry inspiring.
What about you – do you “get” poetry? Are you a fan? Who can you relate to?
Word of the Day: Jejune
Fun fact about me: With the exception of Alaska (which I shall rectify this fall), I have been in every State west of the Mississippi river. (And almost all of them east of as well.)
Original post by Jansen Schmidt April 2014. Original photos by P. Rickrode and C. Rickrode.
Your post made me smile. At first my favorite photo was the elephants until I saw your pick for “young wife at work”–awesome. Which means your post could not be called jejune. In fact, with the poetry you’ve got extra sophistication!
Alaska is definitely on my must see list too. That’s so cool that you’re going this year!
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Hi Coleen and thanks for stopping by today. I’m glad I made you smile. Sometimes it’s the silliest of things that bring enjoyment.
I’ll definitely be posting about Alaska when I return. I can’t wait for September.
Patricia
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Not a big poetry fan, although I don’t mind Walt Whitman once in a while. I admit I have a book of his poetry. Your pictures were awesome, though! Poetry might be more tolerable with lots and lots of pictures. Happy Monday!
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Hi Coleen and happy Monday to you as well! Poetry, if done right, can be inspiring, but most of the time I don’t “get” it. Walt Whitman has some passages that I can definitely relate to.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. It was fun going through them to find appropriate likenesses for each stanza. Sometimes it’s the mindless things that bring the most happiness. I actually laughed out loud at some of the things I chose (but then didn’t use).
Thanks for visiting.
Patricia
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Very impressive how you matched photos to go with the lines of the poem! Haha! Bet you had fun putting it all together. There are some poems I get and others where I’m completely lost an just say, “Huh?” Looks like Disney World has some cool rides that Disneyland doesn’t have.
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Hi Lynn. Yes I did have a blast matching photos with stanzas. There were some I wanted to use but couldn’t find an appropriate place.
Disney World has waaaaay more to offer than Disneyland. WDW has 4 entire theme parks plus 2 water parks and so much more. They are both fun places to visit.
Thanks for stopping by and happy Monday!
Patricia
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Disney photos make any poetry great! Alaska is one of the few states I’ve been to west of the Mississippi, and it’s my favorite!
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Hi Jenette. I believe that with a little help from Disney even math could be fun.
I’m looking forward to visiting Alaska. I hear that it is indeed quite the experience.
Patricia
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Yes! Yes! Yes! You finally had a word of the day that I actually know! (Perhaps that’s because I hang around with ten year-olds all day.)
I never thought of Disney as being such a poetic inspiration, but you have opened my eyes.
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Well there you go – I knew all of the Disney visits would come in useful some day. Disney does have a way of inspiring the imagination.
Thanks for visiting you wordie you.
Patricia
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[…] By jansenschmidt […]
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I do like poetry, must not all poetry. It’s a very personal thing and must speak to the heart, as you know. I appreciate the fun you had matching photos to the phrases. 🙂 Robust friend practically made me burst out with laughter. Hehe.
Your words of the day, how you love to challenge us. Sheesh.
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Oh Debra I so enjoy a challenge. I’m glad you appreciate it.
It was a blast choosing photos for each phrase. I actually had too many photos and had to choose the best. My robust friend was one of my favorites.
So glad you visited today. Always good to see your pretty face.
Patricia
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Great job Patricia! Very creative of you! No doubt you are a Disneyland aficionado. Girl, you need to get a year pass and move to SoCal. You and my daughter-in-law would get along great! Half of my friends around here buy a year pass every year. It’s the way to go. I love all your pics. Way to rock poetry month! You just squeaked it in. Whew! Way to go girl! 🙂
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Hi Karen and thanks for stopping by. I do enjoy my Disney trips. Not sure I’m an aficionado, but I do know stuff.
Thanks for your kind words. I had so much fun putting this post together. Hopefully I’ll be inspired to do it again sometime. It’s a fun way to share photos.
Thanks for your support.
Patricia
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Patricia! I can tell your latest Disney trip energized you–and this post cheered me.
Now I’m counting on you to be my guide to Alaska. Can’t wait to hear about that trip.
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Hi Pat. I’m glad I brought cheer to a friend. My work here is finished.
You can bet there’ll be some pix from Alaska along with some lively narrative. I can’t wait to get on that boat, and then get off and explore.
Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned.
Patricia
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This makes me want to go to Disney World tomorrow! Too bad I have to wait until October to visit family in Orlando for my vacation week!
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Really clever, Patricia! Walt Whitman is one of my favs, and he’s a (somewhat) late bloomer too. I think Leaves of Grass was published his late 30s.
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