Poem of the Month - August 2009

One of the first things I learned when I was an undergraduate arts student was that poets read poetry. Just as well I guess, as probably not a lot of other people do these days.

Well it holds true for me. I have my favourites, and close to the top of the list is Robert Frost. There is something about Frost's poetry that rings true - he can even make rhyming verse sound natural. If you don't believe me and you are not familiar with his work, get a hold of 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'.

I'm not going to publish that one here, but here is my tribute to Robert Frost. I wrote it a lifetime ago when I was a young mum, but it brings back a strong memory of the day I wrote it, sitting in the kitchen, how I was feeling and even the smell of freshly baked cakes on the bench.


On Reading Robert Frost on a Rainy Afternoon

You inspire me.
With simple power your words convey
Such meaning, giving power
To this impoverished soul.

There is no way to tell you,
My words fail.
But, as I read your lines, I sense
My suppressed spirit stirring.

I am inspired to write some lines -
Of triumph over drudgery.
The baby wakes, reminding me
Of who I am today

 - a mum, and not a poet, after all.

Inspiration recoils to that dark space,
Abrogating itself to second place
Until it can have its way with me
When passion soars again.


July 1988