Friday, October 30, 2020

Poetry Peeps October Attempt


 I've known Tanita Davis for a while now, ever since we were Daring Bakers around 2007 or so. Tanita is an accomplished and acclaimed Young Adult Fiction published writer, and she is also a poet. She and a number of her friends who are fellow poets, the Poetry Peeps, write poetry to a theme or a poetry form every month. Recently she invited readers, like me, to join in if we like. It's been ages since I attempted to write poetry, but this month Poetry Peeps decided, "in their infinite 2019 wisdom, that October was going to be a good time to explore a new type of poetry called Naani." It's a short form of poetry, somewhat like haiku. The name means 'of one and all' and the form needs to be 20-25 syllables total, so I'll succeed or fail in a short time.

Since the poem can be about anything, I decided to write about what has been hanging over me all month. No, not the elections, although they are important. No, what concerns me now is the fire danger here in Northern California, and all over the state. October each year has been full of wildfires. It used to be my favorite time of year, but not anymore. Maybe it will be again in the future. I want October to be wonderful! Here's my poem:

Jack O'Lantern orange
swirling flames,
obscuring smoke;
California's Fall new normal

Visit Tanita's site for her quite seasonal poem and for links to the other Poetry Peeps.

 

8 comments :

  1. It's a new "normal" I could DEFINITELY do without. In OUR childhoods, we remember summer for school breaks, adventures, maybe sleeping in or summer camp, and September for back-to-school. These poor kids today will remember it for evacuation texts, face masks, go-bags, and orange skies. Something's gotta give...

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  2. It is sad that we can't celebrate that old & special October. Short & sweet, your naani shows the late reality. I am in Colorado, a sad summer into fall here, too! I'm glad you joined Poetry Friday & shared!

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  3. Starting with a color reference to a pleasant autumn sight brings the reality of the fires into perspective. Well done. I need to ry this naani format.

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  4. This is a haunting poem, for sure - I've been watching the news, aghast at the destruction. Safety to you and yours and here's to the redemption of future Octobers...

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  5. I'm so sorry for your new normal! But thanks for writing about it.

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  6. Welcome to Poetry Friday! Here's hoping that the orange of future Octobers can be limited to pumpkins!

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  7. Oh, this is lovely and horrible. I'm so sorry that this October has been so horrifying. I'm hopeful that one day October will mean the orange beauty of leaves and jack-o-lanterns once again. Welcome to Poetry Friday!

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  8. Welcome to Poetry Friday. Thanks for sharing about this new-to-me form. I'm so sorry that you're suffering through those fires.

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