Everything Thrifted
Photo by Amy LV
Students - Every bit of clothing you see in the photo above was owned by someone (or someones) before me. The hat belonged to my former and now deceased English Professor Julia Walker, the silk scarf came from a thrift store about a year ago, and I just purchased the blue corduroy jacket with its velvet cuffs and collar earlier this week. Yay for old clothing owned once by others! My good friend Katie has a motto - "Secondhand first," a motto I believe is very wise. Not only do we save money when we buy used, we also preserve stories and protect the planet by conserving resources. So...if you have ever wondered about thrifting, please know that I am 100% Team Thrift, celebrating the preservation of stories and resources.
Today's poem is about one thrifted item, my "new" blue coat. When I saw it hanging on the rack this week, I knew it would be mine next. And I do so love imagining the memories and stories and songs that used jackets and scarves and shirts and skirt hold from their former owner (owners?)
Do you own an article of clothing or a toy or another object that was once owned by someone else? What is this object? What memories do you believe it still might hold? You may wish to pretend that this object is talking to you, sharing memories of its past. Do these memories make you laugh? Cry? Write about what you imagine, what you wonder, what you think, what you believe.
It is environmentally sound and poetic to buy used. Be like my friend Katie. Remember her words, "Secondhand first." You help the planet...and you can imagine some good stories too.
If you're interested, here is my messy, crossed-out draft for today's poem. Celebrate the discovery of the just-right word! It takes time, dear friends, time.
Glorious Messy Draft
Click to Enlarge
Photo by Amy LV
Thank you to Tricia for hosting this week's Poetry Friday roundup over at The Miss Rumphius Effect with a celebration of typewriters (and inspiration for me to pull out my old orange typewriter!) Each Friday, all are invited to share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship in this open and welcoming poetry community.
xo,
Amy
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Thrifting ! Yes! I am a kindred spirit and love to imagine my treasure's history. Thanks for sharing this clever poem and the draft too. So important fpr students and lovers of poetry to see the work that can go into a short number of words. Looking forward to checking out your books.
ReplyDeleteOops again. The last comment was mine. Got to get used to this anonymous tag! Cathy
ReplyDeleteIt's a loving ode to old things needing some extra love, Amy!
ReplyDeleteCute coat! I absolutely adore a good thrift session, and have a bag from thredUP sitting ready for a cleanout so a few coats of mine moving on to be the base for someone else's stories and poetry. Here's to the circle of sharing so someone else can use things.
ReplyDeleteAmen to thrift stores, and you rock the fun finds, as always. Love the messy draft pic! Stay warm and cozy - thanks for sharing! xo
ReplyDeleteIn the valuing and repurposing clothing items we not only sustain their life, we open up to the possibility of new adventures and memories. Your poem, Amy captures the essence of such gestures with delightful clarity.
ReplyDeleteYes to secondhand first! I try to do this these days. It is too easy to over-consume. I'm glad I'm in a period of life that I don't need too much. I would write about a pair of jeans my sister gave me when I was visiting her in PA last November. I wear them often and think of her.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of thrifting and love going with my daughters. It's such fun--finding "new" treasures with low price tags! What's not to love? I love the nudge to consider the stories within each item -- thanks for firing up my imagination with your delightful poem! Now I'm itching to get to the thrift store!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE a good messy draft. I think it's so helpful to see that others' poems don't come to them fully formed either. And yay for a new-to-you coat!
ReplyDeleteI love the rhyme that feels almost hidden in your poem, Amy, but that makes it so pleasant to say and hear. Lots of ideas bubbling in my head now, so thanks. Also love seeing your process.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I have been antiquing for years. You are right there are many stories circulating in thrift and antique stores. I enjoyed the story that evolved from your secondhand shopping. Continue to have fun. You look stunning in your attire.
ReplyDeleteHooray for "secondhand first!" The last time I bought new clothes was underwear! :-) I've been blessed to stay pretty much the same size for the past
ReplyDeletecouple of decades, so I'm challenging myself to simply wear what I own. I have enough. (such a hard concept for some to grasp)
One of my favorite stitchers makes tiny pieces of art with scraps (fabric and/or paper), aiming for "zero-waste collage." I'm inspired to see what I can make with even the tiniest bits I've snipped!
Love thrifting, Amy, and that picture of you is delightful, as is the poem!
ReplyDeleteLovely poem Amy, especially the part ocean, part friend, and part sky,." Thanks, Enjoy!
ReplyDelete