Two Silly Poems ala Valerie Worth

Happy Poetry Friday, this week hosted by poet Patricia Franz Here. Thank you, Patricia for hosting. I look forward to seeing what you have for us this week!

I enjoyed reading all the poems recently written in the style of Valerie Worth and shared on Poetry Friday. Michelle Kogan wrote two lovely ones Here and on that post are the links to the other Poetry Sisters and their poems in the Valerie Worth style.

I took out my copy of ALL THE SMALL POEMS AND FOURTEEN MORE by Valerie Worth. I noticed that, although it seems she has a poem for absolutely everything, she doesn’t, of course, who could? There is so much to write about.

So here are two more poems, ala Valerie Worth. The subjects came to mind as I have been in my basement sewing. Keep in mind they are first drafts. 

NEEDLE

Slim
Sharp
Sliver of steel.

It weaves
straight in 
and out 
of pieces of fabric,

requiring a machine
or fingers
to direct it

because one eye
is not enough.  

© Janice Scully 2023 (draft)
THREAD

You're rarely seen,

silent, a humble servant
when we're out and about

at school, at play 
your work is ignored--

you keep our clothes on us
instead of the floor. 

© Janice Scully (draft)

I’m making a table runner for my son and his wife. Do I like the combination of colors? I think so but things look very different when they are unfinished, so I have my fingers crossed. I think it will be colorful and pretty on their table.

I have found the holiday season a welcome diversion from the news that continues to make me sad. I went to see the Syracuse Stage production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL last night and as it always does, reminded me what is important, that is, kindness to others.

So on that note, Happy Holidays! Have a great weekend. Thank you Patricia for hosting!

14 thoughts on “Two Silly Poems ala Valerie Worth”

  1. I like both of your poems Janice, this line is clever, “because one eye
    is not enough.” And “Thread” is funny, especially the ending. Beautiful table runner! Thanks for sharing all and the mention!

  2. Love the combination of fabrics on that table runner, Janice, and you wrote just like Worth, just enough words to bring the subject to life, and awesome endings!

  3. Yes. Remembering what is important…the sadness these days is heavy. I feel it too. The greens and blues and yellows of your fabric are so full of life and cheer. Who couldn’t love that combination? Your sewing is such a gift! I adore short poems. These two are a pair that should never be separated…they are true and beautiful together. Please attach them to the table runner.

  4. Janice, I like these poems a lot. The needle poem is so visual. Nice! My friend’s son is a swing (understudy dancer) in that production of A Christmas Carol. I don’t know if he has gone on yet, though.

  5. Janice, kindness to others is always welcomed as a random act. Thread is such a simple, ordinary object that is essential. I remember back when my Nonnie had a thimble to help her engage in her handicraft. Your thread poem is a simple descriptive with a clever ending.

  6. Janice, the colors of your runner are vibrant! I am thinking that both sewing and A Christmas Carol are helpful distractions from heartache. Your Valerie Worth poems provide a spotlight on two overlooked aspects of creativity. And in both, the turn at the final line, brings them home. Lights out. Thank you!

  7. Writin in the style of another poet sharpens our prespective about the poet concerned and poetry in general. Your poems add to the plethora of small things poets write about and at the same time pays homage to Valerie Worth’s poetic style. You have also grounded your words in an authentic personal experience. The process of your writing tells a most pertinent story. A story that sits easily alongside your poems, Janice.

  8. Both of your poems are fantastic drafts, but I daresay Needle is finished. That ending couplet! Perfection. Valerie would approve.

  9. I agree with Mary Lee that Valerie Worth would approve. Your poems bring needle and thread to life. And I think your table runner is beautiful. What a special handmade gift for your son and his wife – stitched with care and love.

  10. I love these, Janice. One eye is never enough–both clever and true! And I was examining thread yesterday, since my fabric shopping bag I got in Germany 1-1/2 years ago is starting to fray and come apart. That thread has worked hard. And what a lovely table runner!

  13. I was so taken with the Valerie Worth style poems that I used them as a poetry lesson with my students. They really enjoyed writing their own small poems about ordinary things. It’s as though you give the thing importance with your noticing. I haven’t sewn in a long time. I appreciate the attention to details and then the humorous final line.

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