This week, Beau and I took an impromptu walk before bed, when the darkness wasn’t quite so complete that we needed a flashlight, but definitely at an hour when some folks suggested I not wander about the village alone. But Beau had been antsy all evening, and I was feeling off kilter, and it was clear and cool after a stifling day. We’ve found the best antidote for the summer swelter and general feeling of “ants in your pants” anxiety is to walk.
So we walked.
As we turned a corner I happened to look down and spotted lying in the grass an enormous feather. Friends, I’m not talking about a sparrow or even blue jay feather. This was from a big bird. When I picked it up (because I wasn’t leaving that gift behind) Beau went into hyper-sniff mode and followed that feather in my hand all the way home.
“Is this why we’re out, Beau?” I asked as he danced around my legs. “To find this gift from the heavens?” How grateful I was that we wandered out in the gloaming, with enough light to see this treasure at our feet.
The day before, on another walk, we had been gifted with a bright yellow feather which I imagine came from a goldfinch (or an angel who left in a hurry, sans a tiny piece of plumage). I thought that was a glorious delight, so this was exquisite avian finery, indeed.
It was not lost on me that we’re in the midst of the anniversary of my mom’s death.
Two gorgeous, winged messages from the other side.
Surprised by the magic, the beauty, the glimmer in the falling darkness.
For our next Exquisite Poem Prompt, I want you think about the last week and, using this form, share something that surprised you in a positive, joyful way. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate - keep in mind that I’m over the moon because of a feather. It could be a close encounter with nature, a deep sleep, laughter with a friend, extra pepperoni on your pizza, dipping your toes in the kiddie pool, hearing your favorite song in the grocery store. You get the idea.
Your contribution can be in the form of a list, a complete sentence, a fragment of a sentence. Whatever feels right for you, right now. Just keep it to one sentence in length per contribution - because yes, you can contribute more than one sentence, just do each separately.
And if you’ve never participated, we’re excited to have you! I want to assure you it’s really this simple: just respond to the prompt using the form. (Don’t put your contribution on the comments or send them to me; you need to fill out the form.) You don’t need to be a writer or a poet, or honestly even understand what we’re doing. You just respond to the prompt, while people from near and far - total strangers - are doing the same thing. I’ll put the whole thing together (these honestly write themselves). It’s magical, and once you’ve participated you’ll be hooked.
You can find all of the poems here. A few of my favorites (some are from early days of the project had more complicated poem structures; now you just respond to a simple prompt):
Any questions? Email me at joannebrokaw@gmail.com and put “Exquisite Collaboration Poem” in the subject line.
Happy creating!
Joanne Brokaw
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