A Time to Talk by Robert Frost

April 2018

 A Time to Talk

When a friend calls to me from the road

And slows his horse to a meaning walk,

I don't stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven't hoed,

And shout from where I am, What is it?

No, not as there is a time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,

Blade-end up and five feet tall,

And plod: I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.

--Robert Frost

Happy National Poetry Month! I'm celebrating by continuing the 30-Poems-in-30-Days Challenge (here) and by chronicling some of my favorite poems in a notebook so I don't lose track of them. This poem by Robert Frost is one of them. I'm also celebrating with fellow blogger Elizabeth who commented in my previous post that she has been inspired to take up the challenge, too, and was almost half-way to her goal of 30 poems in 30 days on the day she commented. That's what it's all about--exploring the world of words, encouraging one another, being inspired by friends :-)

Enjoying the month. Enjoying poetry. Enjoying friendships. How about you?

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Crown of Thorns at the Conservatory

Krohn Conservatory March 2018

Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia milii f. lutea

Madagascar

"This schrub was brought to the Middle East for cultivation over 2000 years ago. Legend associates it with the crown of thorns referenced in the Bible worn by Christ. This is also the oldest known plant specimen in Krohn. We can trace it to a cutting provided by a donor's plant originally collected in 1895!"--description on plaque at Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati

We visited Cincinnati's Krohn Conservatory the other day, hubby and I along with two grandkids, for the conservatory's annual Butterfly Show. This time butterflies from Madagascar were featured. Built in 1933, the conservatory was first known as the Eden Park Greenhouse but was renamed in 1937 for Irwin M. Krohn, Commissioner for the Board of Parks. In the years since, the conservatory has become known for its great variety of rainforest, desert, and exotic plants--over 35,000 plant species from around the world. For sure, one little walkthrough does not do this place justice, with all the species to see and learn about.

It was however the above plant, Crown of Thorns, that caught my attention most, particularly since this week marks the many observances being held though out the Christian world leading up to Easter celebrations this Sunday. Coming upon this plant in this season created a personal bit of space in which to pause, ponder, reflect...

However, the main draw for most people that day was being in the showroom where thousands of butterflies are free to flit, fly, and even land on you if you are so lucky for the experience!

A few captured snaps:

 

Although rainy outside that day, inside was a delight!

Ever the writer (and/or editor), though, my eye caught a misspelling in the description of the Crown of Thorns. The sign itself may be too small to read in the photo, but my copy above is taken directly from the original. Did you catch the error? I wonder how many people viewing the plant in person have noticed the mistake?

And speaking of writing, April is National Poetry Month. Any plans to celebrate? Some resources:

30 Days, 30 Poems Challenge by tweetspeakpoetry

30 ways to celebrate national poetry month at poets.org

As for me, I'm in at the Local Gems Press Annual Poetry Chapbook Contest, again 30 poems in 30 days, theme-inspired. My chosen format will be...tada...haiku! Wish me luck!

What challenges are you up for in the upcoming month of April? Have you caught any obvious typos or grammar errors somewhere in public lately?

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National Poetry Month and a Little Bit More

Early Bird

Oh, if you're a bird, be an early bird

And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.

If you're a bird be an early bird--

But if you're a worm, sleep late.

---Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends

Oh, April and rain, little boys and the things that fascinate them--including a worm or two. All these elements came together after two of our grandkids stayed overnight this past week and explored the rainy outdoors the next morning. Stir in some of Shel Silverstein's genius, and you've got your own kind of poetry!

And speaking of poetry, many of you probably already know that April is National Poetry Month. Though I may not be contributing poetic material for the cause, I'm loving some of the highlights others are sharing. A few samples:

• 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month, Poets.org
• Collaborating with Language by Dana Gioia, Writer Magazine
• The Reluctant Poet: Roseanne Barry, Caroline-by-Line
• History behind National Poetry Month
• National Poetry Month links and activities over at Reading Rockets
• Art-Inspired Haiku, National Gallery of Art

Will you be an early bird this weekend--or the worm? What part does poetry play in your life?

Happy Poetry Month!

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