The Land of Notknowing

Tweet from My Friend Katey

March 12, 2020

Tweets from the Seattle Symphony

March 12, 2020

Students - Last week, I shared a public service announcement poem about different ways to greet each other without touching in the time of COVID-19. When I shared the poem on Twitter, I received several comments, including this one from one of my favorite professors:

Valerie's words have been living in my mind for a week, not at the front of my mind, but not at the back either. Her words have been like a little seed underground in the soil of my brain. This morning when I woke up, they popped out into the sprout of a little poem. So I thank my teacher for continuing to guide me in writing and in life.

The Land of Notknowing is of course not a physical place on a map, but it is a place in my heart and mind these days as I read the news about COVID-19. No one, not even the most knowledgeable scientists knows everything about this strange new time, but together, we can each do good. And we need each other. It is important to remember this. We each can lift another. And we each can tell stories of the good stories we see and hear about. And too, we can each continue to make art and music and writing for people to enjoy and to clear our spirits and bring joy to our hearts and hours. We are not all scientists or doctors, but we can each do good.

The story of the girl drawing little hugs to share is true, as is the story of the Seattle Symphony freely sharing their beautiful music online.  I am grateful to this girl, to these musicians, and to the many who inspire me with their humanity and grace. They hold the lamp and teach me to be better.

So, about writing...have you ever imagined another land? What might it be? If you like thinking about that place, maybe go ahead and write about it...as a poem or as a story or whatever you wish.  

Or...think of one specific kind or brave act have you seen or heard about. Consider writing this story as a poem, line-by-line, falling down the page. The story might even give you an idea for a piece of music or art.

What good will I give? What good will you give?

Matt is hosting this week's Poetry Friday roundup at Radio, Rhythm, and Rhyme with a peek into two forthcoming Lee Bennett Hopkins books and also a bit about Madness! Poetry. We invite everybody to join in each Friday as we share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship. Check out my left sidebar to learn where to find this poetry goodness each week of the year.

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