Friday, March 20, 2020

A (red) Poppy Poem for Comfort and Cheer

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Michelle Kogan for Roundup.

The way I deal with stress is kind of a closing-in -- think turtle or snail. Which means limiting screen time especially. However, when I have popped my head out, it's been wonderful to find so many people in our community offering virtual learning during this time when kids are at home. What a great way to give to the world!

I also found some good book-news: THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO, which I wrote with Karim Shamsi-Basha, illustrations by Yuko Shimizu, coming next month from Penguin has earned its 4th starred review! ★ ★ ★ 

We're delighted and hopeful this means many readers will discover Alaa and be inspired by his good works. Plus... cats! Lots and lots of cats. :)

And... DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD, which I wrote with Charles Waters, illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini, released last month from Lerner has been selected by Naomi Shihab Nye as the Young People's Poet Laureate Book Pick for April. YAY! What an honor... we couldn't be more encouraged, especially during these challenging times.

And now for the latest installment of ArtSpeak: RED.  Like many of us, I have been compelled to return to old comforts this past week... which led me to write after "Red Poppies" by Mary Cassatt. Enjoy!


Boy in Poppy Field

So many poppies
under the sun –
so many poppies,
but I only want one.

This tiny poppy
that's broken, drowsy –
this tiny trampled poppy
who's probably feeling
a little bit lousy.

I lift it from its web
of thick, dead grass.
I gaze into its wide, bright eye –
Little poppy, I promise you:
this, too, shall pass.

- Irene Latham


25 comments:

  1. Happy Poetry Friday, Irene. I'm so enjoying your publishing success. I love hearing the good news. I really look forward to getting my hands on The Cat Man of Aleppo. Yes, cats! You are wise to close in a bit...take care and be in tune with what's important, loved and tangible in your world. I'm so glad you're still writing. The Poppy poem is wonderful and hopeful...I love that the speaker chose the imperfect poppy and reassured it.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! Yes, cats. :) :) :) We'll all get through this. xo

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  2. Yay for you and Charles! Dictionary for a Better World is exquisite. I picked up my copy yesterday. Our local indie now has drive up, curbside delivery.
    " Little poppy, I promise you:
    this, too, shall pass."
    I'm clinging to words. Thanks for another inspiring red poem. Stay safe!

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    1. Thank you, Ramona. I love the drive up bookstore! That's awesome. xo

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  3. Congrats on the fabulous book news!! It's so good to hear positive news for a change . . . and thanks for the red poppy poem. Love its tenderness and hope.

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    1. Jama, thank you! We all need some tenderness and hope right now, that's for sure. xo

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  4. So sweet. I feel better having read it. Congratulations on your wonderful books. I look forward to holding them and turning each page.

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  5. Congratulations & hugs for that 'Dictionary' - lots more out into the world! I'm looking forward to 'The Cat Man of Aleppo', know the story & can't wait to see what you did with it. The cover is lovely. As for your 'poppy', I love the idea of loving & giving notice to the 'trampled', never should be neglected! Best wishes for your health & safety, Irene. Wishing it all weren't so!

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    1. Best wishes for your health and safety, too, dear Linda. I think you will love CAT MAN... on one spread Yuko painted 128 cats!!! xo

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  6. What a sensitive and compassionate talk you're having with
    "This tiny poppy
    that's broken, drowsy –"
    I can't help but think of the times we are going through.
    So happy to hear 'Dictionary' was selected by Naomi Shihab Nye, what an honor– and congrats also for the starred reviews "THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO," has gathered, all wonderful news! Wishing you and your family are all well, xo.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing in our joy... and yes these times, these times... wishing you and your family well too. xo

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  7. Beautiful poppy promise. Reminds me of walking with my grandson, 15 months. He picks up random things (we don't have poppies) so I think I may need to write a poem about it.

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    1. Absolutely, Margaret, you must write a poem (or three) about that! I look forward to reading it. xo

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  8. Yay for all the good news! We all need some. Thank you for sharing yours. Your poppy poem is lovely.

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  9. What an honor to have your book selected by Naomi Shihab Nye! Such happy news in such dreary times. Your poem today also offers a ray of sunshine. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Ah the mind of a child, the reassurance of hope and art. Thanks for your poem and mega-congratulations on your books and their well-deserved reviews and achievement. You are a delightful poet, my friend and I always learn from you. Janet Clare F.

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  11. How perfect to see/hear your beautiful face/voice/poetry/music in Sylvia's post - and then read your wonderful news here. I am so thrilled for you, my beautiful friend! And sharing your trepidation for these days and longing for that time - when they have passed. Take care of you. xx

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  12. Congrats on your good news, Irene - cats! (and to keep my furry girl at home appeased, I have to add, dogs! :) Your Casset inspired poppy poem is lovely. "this, too, shall pass". Looking forward to that happening. All the best to you and yours.

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  13. Another congratulations on your publishing news! SO excited to see you launching so spectacularly. Thank you for the poppy poem. It will get better. We will rise.

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  14. Fabulous news for your books! Wonderful! So happy for you... Love the poem. Who can resist red poppies? So bold!

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  15. I too experience stress by closing-in, Irene, but I'm grateful to catch up with you this week here and on Sylvia's blog. Congratulations on all the great news coming your way and thanks for your hopeful poppy poem.

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  16. Thanks for sharing all your great news, Irene--so nice to have something to celebrate! I think I need to follow your example and turn in to a turtle or snail..

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  17. So much good news, my friend - you should paint the town RED! So happy for you, and I can't wait for those cats.... XO

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