Welcome to Poetry Friday! Today we’re hosted by Tanita Here. She has a fabulous poem to share which, though she didn’t say it, made me think of the 1920’s when women threw away their restraining fashion, like corsets. She also offered a prompt for the end of the month. Thank you for hosting, Tanita!
This week I’m in Texas visiting my sister. We like to cook and made something I’ve never made before: Pierogies. They are like raviolis filled with potatoes and cheese, an ambitious project, not for the faint hearted. We made over 60 of them. It is a blessing that I’m not wearing any constriction clothing!
So I’ve been away from home for over a month now and will be home soon. I was so glad I visited my sister’s eleven year old grandson, Ezra, because he shared some drawings. His take on a T-Rex is awesome and I got permission to share it and wrote a poem inspired by it. Thank you Ezra!!!
HOW DO YOU DO? I love showing off! See my pointy black spine! See my pointy black teeth? All the better to dine. Sure, most dinos are dull— but I’m bright bluish green! Out and about I love to be seen and would like to say, though I know you are wary I swear if you meet me, you’ll see I’m not scary. © Janice Scully 2024
I appreciated this project today because it took me to a different place and time, the Mesozoic Era which was 252-266 million years ago. No TV, no phones, no computers! Just the crunch of big feet in the Mesozoic Earth and the misty light perhaps filtering down into the marshes and prehistoric seas. What would I hear if I were there?
Many poets have written about dinosaurs. Here’s another written in a different style written by Walter Sykes, a playwright who was born in 1969.
O, ANCIENT RULERS OF THE EARTH by Walter Wykes O, ancient rulers of the Earth, O, race of mighty warriors, O, evolutionary giants, I sing your praise. You were powerful creatures of incredible diversity. Elaborate skeletal modifications. Numerous adaptations for social interaction. (No Facebook, though.) Elevated metabolism. You were formidable foes. Savage in battle. Unforgiving to your enemies. Even the shadow that remains of you is terrifying.
There is more. Read the rest here:
Tanita tells us she’s seeing signs of spring. When I return to Syracuse maybe I will. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing your delightful poem Janice- and Ezra’s art! So fun!
Janice, how nice to be out traveling in the warmer areas for a bit of Syracuse winter. I do hope spring is on the way when you get there. I enjoyed seeing Ezra’s vibrant artwork. Your ekphrastic poem is a perfect pairing. The poem by Walter Wykes is provocative. “We will remake this planet. This world. In our image,” say the people. Will they have the same ending as the dinosaurs? Wykes’ poem is so matter-of-fact!
Oh, I know you’ve been away. What fun, Janice, to go from Pierogies to dinosaurs, inspired by Ezra’s terrific art, and then the more philosophical thoughts of them vs. humans. What will happen to us? Have fun for the rest of your visit!
Your poem is the perfect accompaniment to Ezra’s art, Janice! Enjoy the rest of your visit (and the pierogis look delicious!)
Janice, my sister keeps talking about the weather in Syracuse. What a contrast to when she was in Virginia. Winter took on a different look. I imagine Texas is a total contrast from wintry Central NY. It must be fun spending time with your talented grandson. His terrifying dinosaur prompted you to write a delightful children’s poem. I really enjoyed Wykes poem and the probing questions it posed. Have a wonderful time with the family.
Janice, those pierogis made me immediately think of grade school. Our principal’s wife, Joyce, was Polish, and her husband was Italian, and I think both cultures have their version of filled dumplings. She introduced her family’s version to our community, and they were an instant hit. YUM. The homemade ones are ALWAYS better.
I loved Ezra’s art! And your poem was the icing on the cake. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Texas.
Thank you, Tanita!
Aww, Ezra’s art made the perfect ekphrastic opportunity.
And 60 PIEROGIES??? Dems alotta potatoes! Safe travels home, Janice!
How fun that you were able to pair your talent with Ezra’s!
Fabulous poems and T-Rex art! Those pierogis look yummy!! Have a safe trip home.
What a perfect pairing…you and Ezra, ‘How Do You Do?’ and ‘ O Ancient Rulers of the Earth.’ There’s what I just read about at Irene’s post. She interviewed Michelle Schuab who talked about layers in her new book. This poem is layered with your visit, generations and a bit of reaseach…my kind of poetry! Love it. Those black shiny spikes and matching teeth. Ooooof! It’s a good thing this T-Rex tells me it’s not scary.
My grandson loves dinosaurs and drawing them and playing with them and all the things. I love your poem and think you should submit it to a children’s magazine. Such a pleasure to read aloud.
Thanks, Margaret. I’ve been lazy about submitting but could spend some time getting poems out there. 🙂
What a great collaborative circle, you and Ezra. It feels so cool to have someone bring something I’ve written to life. I’m guessing it must feel the same for an artist to have someone bring words to their art. <3
Janice,
I love the poem that goes with your nephew’s artwork! I love his drawing too! Was he happy you wrote a poem about his piece? The Wykes poem makes me think of an Ode. I’ve never read him before – but I like his style! Thank you for sharing it. I’ve been keeping up on NY weather with my Dad, who lives in Brockport. He said it’s been cold and overcast for the most part but they’ve had a few sunny days enabling him to get out in his yard!
Thanks, Carol. I think Ezra was pleased to have his picture published. I’m going back to NY this week. I’m ready but will miss my sister.
Love this dino poem! Yes to potatoes and cheese (though I can’t do the gluten). 🙂 Here’s hoping for spring back home. We are certainly seeing it here.
Your Pierogies look yummy and Ezra’s drawing (scary) chummy. Love your dino pairing – rawrsome! 🙂
Love your Dino light poem and Ezra’s T-Rex, what a wonderful pair! They are truly fun to write about, I know I’ve drawn many, and probably written a few poems on them too.
Your Pierogies look delish, thanks for sharing all Janice!