Introduction

Since renewing my interest in poetry a few years ago, I've been dismayed (but not surprised) by most of my friends' reactions, which nearly all run along the lines of  “oh, poetry, I never did understand that stuff”  and  “how can it be a poem if it doesn't rhyme?”   And then there is the unspoken reaction, telegraphed  in the widened eyes and the tight smiles:  She writes poetry?! She must be a little off!   For whatever reason, many people view poetry as being completely divorced from everyday life, existing on a separate time-space continuum visited only by the eccentric or the stoned.   I find myself forever printing poems for friends in an effort to demonstrate that poetry serves to amplify, not obscure, our everyday experiences.

And then, out of the blue, a fellow poet loaned me a collection of newspaper columns written by Robert Hass.  Written when he was PLOTUS, Hass connected poems and poets to happenings in the news.   His essays are delightful and insightful, and offer readers a sturdy footbridge over the turbulent waves of poetic mystery swirling below (groan -  I guess I am a little off!). 

Having recently been on the lookout for a blogging topic, I've decided to try my hand at continuing Robert Hass's example.   I am under no illusion that my commentary will measure up to his, but I do hope to lessen the reluctance my readers might feel at reading the occasional poem.  I've got only a few years of poetry experience compared with Hass's many, so please, readers, be patient while I find my footing with this project.

My plan is to select poems that in some way relate to current issues, and briefly explain the connections I see.  These will mainly be other people's poems; however, you may see one from me occasionally (as with my inaugural posting). 

PLOTUS=Poet Laureate of the United States