Toula Merkouris, Carl "Papa" Palmer, Karen O'Leary, and Angelee Deodhar

Walking around outside reminds me that it's not quite spring yet, but we are getting closer and closer!  Since this semester has been a busy one, making this blog-zine a weekly event, I am going to post the work of three poets tonight.

The first is Canadian poet Toula Merkouris whose poem "Walking Amongst Time" received an honorable mention in our Thelma's Prize contest (Winter 2015/6).  Since last year, Toula has written a children's book, Darla Dilly Don't Be Silly.  This book should be out any day.

Pigtails, Pinafores, and Pumps

I can remember sitting in the auditorium listening to the MAN speak about life

the road less travelled

opportunity

and choice.

I can still feel humming in my chest

the vibrations of a train approaching the station

the wind caressing the loose tendrils of my hair

picking up speed, the sound thunders in my ears

whipping my hair in every direction until

my tightly woven plaits hang free

finally, the frenzy subsides and

I can see two ribbons lying at my feet.

I can remember thinking of the sound curtains make as they swish together over the stage

like an owl swooping through midnight's embrace

with a mouse's tail dangling from its tightly clenched talons

a veritable feast

Looking down I can still see one perfectly formed drop of blood

staining the front of my crisp white button-down shirt

dreams lying like collateral damage on the side of a highway

don't worry!

perfectly camouflageable by the ruffles of my pinafore

The weight of expectations worn

with a wink and a smile and a thank you ma'am

Let's talk about glass ceilings

and butterfly wings beating against Mason jars.

I can remember seeing multihued stars exploding like DISNEY fireworks from behind

rubbing the sleep out of the corner of my eye

using the palm of my hand, none too gently

the shock of midday sun on alabaster skin

Blindingly

I try to stand

like a colt with legs splayed out beneath it

in four different directions.

Numbness: its expiration date is long past.

I take a deep breath,

Thank you transplant surgeon

Did you know the Doctor blew up the lungs of the very lovely lady who signed her card in exactly the right place before

stapling them shut?

Now I can go on my way to the honey tree

with long legs striding along confidently

a barely perceptible shock of crimson seen from the underside of my brand new Louboutin shoes

The hot sun at my back

I look down

See how I tower over the shadow lying in front of me?

Do you see the barely perceptible yellow chalk outline around the contours of my distorted form?

I see it

it doesn't matter which way I turn

it doesn't matter how much it rains;

Like when my daughter thought it would be a good idea to use permanent marker to play connect the dots on my bedroom wall. Such a lovely pattern.

I jump and click my heels together

Looking for a way home.

Next is Carl "Papa" Palmer with "Mommy's Dance."  

Mommy’s Dance

Watching her in the kitchen

as she does dishes at the sink

oldies playing loud on the radio

Kate Smith White Cliffs of Dover

Patti Page Tennessee Waltz

Doris Day Whatever Will Be Will Be

She sings smiles into her sponge microphone

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window

dressed in her bibbed apron evening gown

swaying with her dashing dishtowel partner

Sashaying the linoleum ballroom floor

to big band music Glenn Miller playing

back ground for At Last with Etta James

Twirls while opening drawers cabinet doors

wipes the cupboard counter crooning

Yes Sir That’s my Baby by Count Basie

Gives a deep curtsy to her damp string mop

soft shoes to Bye Bye Blackbird exits stage

right to that place in my heart for Mommy

Carl "Papa" Palmer of Old Mill Road in Ridgeway, VA now lives in University Place, WA. He is retired military, retired FAA and now just plain retired without wristwatch or alarm clock. Carl, president of The Tacoma Writers Club, is a Pushcart Prize and Micro Award nominee.      MOTTO: Long Weekends Forever

I'll conclude with Karen O'Leary's poem enhanced by Angelee Deodhar's visual.  This is the URL for the image https://in.pinterest.com/pin/359795457710141850/

Tonight I'll play some of the songs that Carl "Papa" Palmer mentions.

Here is Etta James' version of "At Last":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-cbOl96RFM

Or you may prefer the Glenn Miller Orchestra's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9LJUCPZojM

Do you know Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCvfy6Huyc

She also sang "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkLE4X-bbU

I'll finish with "Yes, Sir, That's My Baby" by Count Basie.  Oscar Peterson is on piano.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtMNwJH0F8o