Many illustrations on this page by Susie Whelehan. Those that aren’t will be acknowledged on the individual poem pages.
Why I Write Poetry
After Major Jackson
Because words and rhythm are medicine
covered by God’s Socialist Health Care Plan for Humanity….(cont.)
I Want To Do That, Too
Yesterday I heard of St. Christina the Astonishing
for the very first time (cont’d…)
Mourning
I saw videos
of mother whales (cont’d…)
Take a Deep Breath
Healing methods you can choose:
Wearing magnets in your shoes, (cont’d…)
Homesickness
When I think about my childhood home
Mom is hanging the laundry in the back, (cont’d…)
Dr. Seuss Meets Ram Dass
After Ram Dass
Hold hands for comfort, connection, protection
regardless of language, sex, age, creed, complexion. (cont’d…)
Virgin on the Verge of Conceiving the Word
Just before the angel came
Mary taught herself to read. (cont’d…)
Ode to the Onion
I open the front door
and walk headlong into the scent
of onions sautéing on the stove. (cont’d…)
Semantics
In the beginning was the Word—
an exhalation of… (cont’d)
Namaste is Easier Said than Done
The light that shines inside you
is the light that shines inside me …(cont’d)
Life is the Only Way
after Wislawa Szymborska
Life is the only way to catch that last wave at Wasaga
Beach and ride it full length (cont.)…
Lifeboat
Greenland is melting.
I am reading poetry. (cont’d)…
PERSONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM The Sky Laughs At Borders
When I think of everyone who taught, prompted, listened, critiqued, encouraged and supported me in my writing life over the years, I smile and shake my head in wonder. I begin with my husband, Francis Corrigan, and our boys, Ben and Jesse, who contributed material, endless computer help (sorry if I said bad words), thoughts and thoughtfulness. My love and thanks.
Now for remarkable friends beginning with Kate Marshall Flaherty for her generosity and beautiful heart. Other writing friends and loving, steadfast supporters in no particular order other than alphabetical: Cristina Austin, Rebecca Cunningham, Trish Fink, Kathleen Boyle Hatcher, Bridget Lynch, Bianca Marais, Anne McTaggart, Priscilla McLellan, Deborah Murphy, Elaine Orsini, Elyse Pomerantz, Kathy Richardson, Casey Rock, Jackie Ryan, Lauretta Santarossa and Cheryl Wagner. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sue Reynolds, my editor and publisher, has had a major impact on my writing life. I attended her inspirational writing “Sanctuary” circles many times over the past nine years. As well, she trained me in the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method of writing facilitation.
In the Creative Writing Certificate Program at the University of Toronto, I studied with the talented Catherine Graham and Susan Glickman. I have had the good fortune to have taken workshops and retreats with many other gifted poets, including Ellen Bass, Suzi Banks Baum, Lorna Crozier, Marie Howe, Dorianne Laux, Molly Peacock, Gwynn Scheltema, Pat Schneider, Holly Wren Spaulding and Ruth Walker.
How lucky am I? Very. How grateful am I? My heart is full.
Why do I write poetry? Because…all of you.
