Jan
2021
Poetry Friday: Truly
Wow! What a week for poetry. There were many things to rejoice in at Wednesday’s Inauguration, but my favorite part was hearing Amanda Gorman recite her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” I am also thrilled that so many people–many of whom did not know they liked poetry–have been moved by her powerful words and performance that more than met the moment we are in and inspires hope for our future.
I am glad she had words to share with us all, because I have struggled to find words at all this week. None of my thoughts or feelings wanted to settle down into words. Fortunately, Laura Shovan and Margaret Simon introduced me to another poet-teacher, who led the way. Stacey L. Joy offered a writing prompt inspired by Nikki Giovanni at Ethical ELA. After several false starts, I wrote a response to Psalm 139, using Nikki GIovanni’s poem “Quiet (for Marvalene)” as a model.
Truly
truly
you know my
deepest being
true
you know
my ways of work
and times of rest
truly
you know
my thoughts before
I share my posts
true
like the stars
that stretch above me and
the sun that rises
truly
you will search for me
and find me wherever
I may wander
true
you created me
in your image
truly
truly
truly
I will praise you
because I am wondrously made
and you called me good
Each Friday, I am excited to take part in Poetry Friday, where writers share their love of all things poetry. Laura hosts the Poetry Friday Roundup today at Laura Shovan – Blog. She celebrates Amanda Gorman’s poem and shares more resources to share Amanda’s poetry with students. Hurry over and check out all the poetry morsels offered up today.
Michelle Kogan
January 28, 2021 at 6:29 pm (3 years ago)Beautiful Kay, I think the poem was waiting for you to write her, and so glad you shared her with us, thanks!
Mrs. McGriff
January 28, 2021 at 8:49 pm (3 years ago)Thank you, Michelle.
Susan Bruck
January 25, 2021 at 12:55 am (3 years ago)Thanks for sharing this lovely poem. It has been a hard week to find the right words for me, too. But you managed to find a few really good ones! And I looked at the psalm, too–it’s been a while since I read it. You did capture the spirit of it and I needed to hear the last line, especially.
Mrs. McGriff
January 28, 2021 at 8:49 pm (3 years ago)Thank you, Susan. It was a Psalm I needed to hear this week, too.
Ruth
January 24, 2021 at 3:39 pm (3 years ago)So lovely!
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 4:15 pm (3 years ago)Thanks, Ruth
Bridget Magee
January 24, 2021 at 5:45 am (3 years ago)So good, just like YOU! đŸ™‚
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:32 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Bridget.
Sally Murphy
January 24, 2021 at 1:49 am (3 years ago)Beautiful Kay x
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:31 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Sally
janice scully
January 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm (3 years ago)I took a moment to read Psalm 139. Your poem reflects the tone of it so well. Thanks for sharing it.
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:31 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Janice. I’ve been reading Psalm 139 all week, so it sunk in.
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
January 23, 2021 at 3:49 pm (3 years ago)It seems you found just the right vehicle to express your heart, Kay. Beautiful.
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:31 am (3 years ago)Thank you, Michelle. It took awhile to find, but it came together at last.
Laura Shovan
January 23, 2021 at 12:25 pm (3 years ago)Kay, this prompt and form was a beautiful choice for responding to such a beloved Psalm. Thanks for being part of Poetry Friday this week.
Mrs. McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:30 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Laura–and thanks for hosting this week.
jama
January 23, 2021 at 11:33 am (3 years ago)Absolutely lovely and so life affirming!! Thanks for your beautiful words, Kay :).
Kay Jernigan McGriff
January 24, 2021 at 10:29 am (3 years ago)Thank you, Jama. I’m ready for lots of life affirming words and actions
Carol Varsalona
January 22, 2021 at 7:01 pm (3 years ago)Kay, I am so thrilled to read your inspirational thoughts again. It has been a long time since we corresponded. Your last line rings with peace. May you shine on in your goodness!
Mrs. McGriff
January 23, 2021 at 10:38 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Carol. It’s good to be back in this community and in conversation with all.
Linda Baie
January 22, 2021 at 6:21 pm (3 years ago)I love this affirmation, Kay. Poetry Friday posts this week are full of joy! Thank you!
Mrs. McGriff
January 23, 2021 at 10:37 am (3 years ago)Thanks, Linda. I am relishing in all the joy this week, too!
Tabatha
January 22, 2021 at 9:12 am (3 years ago)Lovely and uplifting!
Mrs. McGriff
January 22, 2021 at 4:58 pm (3 years ago)Thanks, Tabatha
Irene Latham
January 22, 2021 at 8:54 am (3 years ago)Kay, I love this poem so much! It fits right in with the Artist’s Way, too, which I’m in the process of experiencing again. “you called me good” xo
Mrs. McGriff
January 22, 2021 at 4:58 pm (3 years ago)Thanks, Irene. It is has been years since I worked through the Artist’s Way. I feel like I’m missing out–I know several people going through it now.