Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by the talented Marcie Flinchum Atkins on her blog. Thank you for hosting, Denise. I did not get to read posts this week and I apologize. I’m working on a poetry collection I had critiqued and now am revising. It isn’t easy, but I’m moving forward, where to, I’m not sure. I am thrilled that I signed up for the Highlights Poetry Palooza this November with Georgia Heard, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Irene Latham, and Charles Waters.
It’s warming, in the forties here in Syracuse today, The FORSYTHIAS are budding:
The DAFFODILS have arrived:
So I want to declare something.
DECLARATION BASED ON THINGS SEEN
Forsythia buds
Patches of bright daffodils
I declare it spring!
©Janice Scully 2025
I feel, like many, that I have so little control over life these days. So many things that I took for granted, maybe too much, are changing. So why not declare something? I do believe that nothing, at this moment, could possibly prove I’m wrong today when it comes to spring. It is definitely coming to Syracuse.
My husband and I look forward to attending a local political protest on 4/5. I’ve never in the past felt as if I was propelled to take a stand against anything, such as DOGE, quite like I do now. This feels urgent and it’s fueled by hope.
My OLW for 2025 is HOPE, and I’ve neglected the poor little word. So here is my first poem.
HOPE
Hope makes you sign up
Paint a poster, demonstrate,
believe it matters.
© Janice Scully
Have a great weekend. Thank you for posting, Marcie! I look forward to reading posts this weekend.
Janice! So glad you’ll be joining us in November. YAY!!! And yay for daffodils and forsythia and your lovely declaration. Thank you! xo
Thank you, Janice. Your voice matters! The beauty of spring is a reminder that the best of anything can return and rise up around us.
Yes! Thanks,Rose!
I love the declaration, Queen Janice! Carry on! We have had a lot of warm weather so things are busting out everywhere, but also warnings that the last freeze date possible is May 6th. There is much to decry in our political world. Thanks for attending that rally! I’ve been calling, and do “hope” it, with others, makes a difference.
Thank you, Dear Linda!
Your hope poem is just right. I joined a League of Women Voters candlelight vigil on the night of the president’s address. It felt empowering. I hope you feel a sense of hope, or at least a sense of purpose.
Thanks, Margaret. At least I’ll feel as if I’m doing something.
“Believe it matters” is vital, friend. Don’t stop! And on the days you can’t, we’ll switch off and I’ll believe for you…
“Declare” – what an important word for this time we are living in, Janice. Your welcome to Spring is lovely. Cheering you on for April 5; there’s a rally in a neighboring town here then; I’m not yet sure if I’ll be able to make it but would like to if I can. Take care!
I’ll be raising my voice in protest on 4/5 as well.
Thank goodness for signs of spring. Nature is keeping me sane these days.
I love your “Hope” poem. It is so needed right now.
Thank you so much for this declaration! I love spring! I’m so very excited for your that you get to go to Highlights!!!! What a fantastic faculty!
Declarations and protests! Go, Janice!