Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by author Tanita S. Davis HERE. This week Tanita, among other things, shares a publishing success: signing with an agent and an offer she has had for two books! Congratulations! There is also an intriguing poetry writing challenge to check out.
I have been thinking about place and always get very attached to places where I live or used to live. I know that isn’t unusual. And I’ve found that drawing what I see around me, whatever it is, or writing a poem about something I see, strengths that sense of place. That isn’t surprising, either, of course. But I like that drawing or writing about something around me requires closer observation than otherwise.
This old tree below, lying on its side, its branches reaching up, isn’t something I might pay much attention to, but as I looked for something to paint, it seemed interesting. Painting it seemed to embellish in my mind this lovely lake I visit frequently.
A fallen old tree
bare branches reaching skyward--
ripples the water
© Janice Scully 2026
And drawing my writing and art room brought to light details that made the place look whimsical in a drawing I made last year. After drawing it, I appreciated better the old chest of drawers and the old kitchen table I work on. Perhaps I’ll revisit the drawing and color the walls someday.
Recycled table--
The drawer that holds my pencils
once held forks and knives.
© Janice Scully
Observing the miraculous, beautiful, or just entertaining things around us helps helps us live in this world that feels quite insane. I think that’s why people participate with like minded friends on Poetry Friday. Here are my daisies in bloom. They seem to glow in the twilight tonight.
Have a great weekend. Thank you Tanita, and again, congratulations!