Verzasca Valley, July 27, 2021
Today’s prompt challenges us “to write a poem in the style of Kay Ryan, whose poems tend to be short and snappy – with a lot of rhyme and soundplay. They also have a deceptive simplicity about them, like proverbs or aphorisms. Once you’ve read a few, you’ll see what I mean. Here’s her “Token Loss,” “Blue China Doorknob,” “Houdini,” and “Crustacean Island.”’ (Full NaPoWriMo post available here.)
I love Kay Ryan’s work but I’m afraid my draft below is a poor imitation. Dashing it out before going on the road. Will try to check in as much as possible throughout the day.
PS–The posted draft has expired, but here are some photos from Prague, taken this April (2022).
Ooo!! Another impressive door and many memory-inducing glimpses. I was there twice, the last time in 2012 for Pearl Jam.
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I believe the door that caught your eye (Art Deco, with the gilded writing above it) is that of a synagogue. Amazing building, altogether.
I still can’t believe you saw Pearl Jam in action! (swoon)
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That was my 8th time. 🙂 Trieste and Rome followed to make it a neat 10. I wonder if more will come.
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this reminds me strongly of someone once close to me, and her daughters. that ruthless brain…
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chic and poetic 💕✨
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I sincerely hope your ruthless brain can learn their names.
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Thank you, Chado!
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These things about mothers. So personal, so universal. Lovely!
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Thank you, Sonia! I’m so glad this piece speaks to you.🙏💜🍃
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This is brilliant Romana. An entire memoir of a mother-daughter’s (that’s how read it) relationship — a torrent–a brook. In awe once more.
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Thank you so much, Arti–very much appreciated!🙏💜🍃 I read it that way too.
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Your words were like a river in spate, throwing up vivid images and full of undercurrents. Fantastic, Romana.
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Thank you, Punam! Glad you noticed the undercurrents.🥰
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That is so full of undercurrents it is dangerous to bathe in.
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Thank you, Graham! Yes, there are some troublesome eddies in there.🥰
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That works wonders, Romana!
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Thank you so much, Liz!🙏💜🍃
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Romana, this is beautiful! I love the idea of going to the place between rivers to learn their names, and the lines:
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Thank you, Kim–I’m so glad you liked it!🙏💜🍃
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