Progressive Poem 2019

Today I jump into the middle of a poem-in-the-making along with 29 other blogging poets. I am not going to kid you, this is an intimidating adventure for me, as I consider myself truly a novice poet. I am sharing company with some very gifted writers who inspire me greatly.

At Day 11, I am nearly at the midpoint of our song lyric poem. I’m happy to say that song lyrics are a happy place for me to be. Music has always, and continues to be a big part of my life. Music inspires me, uplifts me, and often helps me cope with life’s challenges that come and go, often without warning.

The 10 lines so far have placed the setting – I see a beautiful summer day and sense a completely carefree spirit in the text. It makes me think of July here where I live. I’m smack-dab in the middle of summer, with NO THOUGHT of returning to school anytime soon.  Instead, I am seeing only endless warm summer days ahead of me with no demands on my time other than making a decision between going for a hike or paddle boarding for the day!

Just the other night a Facebook friend posted that he was joyfully spending the morning listening to The Carpenters. I instantly was transported back in time to elementary school when I would sing along with Karen Carpenter with all the passion my 8 year-old heart could give! I knew I would find just the right line from a Carpenters song to add.

Endless summer; I can see for miles…
Fun, fun, fun – and the whole world smiles.
No time for school- just time to play,
we swim the laughin’ sea each and every day.

You had only to rise, lean from your window,
the curtain opens on a portrait of today.
Kodachrome greens, dazzling blue,
it’s the chance of a lifetime,
make it last forever–ready? Set? Let’s Go!

Come, we’ll take a walk, the sun is shining down
Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes

Found Lines:
L1 The Who, ‘I Can See for Miles’ / The Beach Boys, ‘Endless Summer’
L2 The Beach Boys, ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ / Dean Martin, ‘When You’re Smiling’
L3 The Jamies, ‘Summertime, Summertime’
L4 The Doors ‘Summer’s Almost Gone’/ Led Zeppelin ‘Good Times, Bad Times’
L5 Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine “You had only to rise, lean from your window,”
L6 Joni Mitchell, “Chelsea Morning”
L7 Paul Simon, “Kodachrome,” “Dazzling Blue”
L8 Dan Fogelberg, “Run for the Roses”
L9 Spice Girls, “Wannabe”/ Will Smith, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”
L10 The Beatles, “Good Day Sunshine”
L11 The Carpenters, “Top of the World”

And now I hand off the baton to my friend, Margaret Simon @ Reflections on the Teche. Can’t wait to see where we go next, Margaret!