The third day of the 19th Annual Slice of Life Challenge is well underway at Two Writing Teachers’ website, and I invite you to visit and read the posts shared by writers across the globe, who give us a glimpse into their daily lives. This month, I’m featuring a living poet each day and creating a Cento poem from the poems in their collections. You can read more about Cento poetry here.
A few years ago, Fran Haley of North Carolina (blog: Lit Bits and Pieces) sent me a copy of The Language of the Birds by Amy Nemecek one spring when we were both participating in The Great Backyard Bird Count. I’m thanking Fran for this gift of poetry, and I’m celebrating Amy Nemecek today!
Amy Nemecek is a violinist and poet who lives in Michigan, and you can read more about her on this link that features a few other poets as well (scroll down on the post to read about Amy). Here is an additional link about Amy.
Choosing Tunes
Just when I think it’s over
I feed the jukebox quarters
As you slow dance around me
Lulled by the rhythm of pewter waves
I join you in its convex solitude
reminding you, reminding myself
our imperfect submission affords no rest.
My Cento lines are taken from these poems, in order: Larch Song; Acedia; Light Fantastic; Back to School; Companion; Beloved; and Vigil.
Common Threads 
oh I am going to look for this poetry collection! Thank you!!!
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Kim, this is absolutely filled with love. Thank you
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Thank you, Anita! Loved your blog today – – I hope that lady is okay.
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I love the image of feeding the jukebox and dancing. It reminds me of a perfect moment celebrated with friends and loved ones.
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Barb, thanks so much! That line brought back memories of all the jukeboxes we saw when we were traveling down Route 66 a couple of summers ago – – so much fun, and who would have ever thought in those days we would all be listening to Spotify on cell phones piped through headphones??
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Kim,
Thinking about the title of the collection juxtaposed with your cento poem, I hear bird songs coming from that jukebox. It is lovely. These cento poems are gorgeous. The lines flow beautifully together.
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Thank you, Glenda! I love the power of a Cento poem, and being able to work with them daily this month is a treat.
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“Lulled by pewter waves”really stuck out to me. What wonderful phrasing!
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Margaret, thank you! Really taking a deep dive into these poetry books, I’m finding a lot of golden lines for sure for the Centos.
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I really liked the “late start” of this poem, like I got here late haha
“Just when I think it’s over”
I really enjoyed reading this and might try to imitate one of these days.
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Ana, thank you and please do! I keep
Baskets of tongue depressors with lines of poetry on one side and the poet and poem
On the other – it makes poetry writing accessible for all!
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I’m really intrigued by your Cento poems. I like writing found poetry and it sounds a bit like that. I love the opening two lines. They are like the opening lines to a short story, an excellent hook.
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Thank you, Alice! These are fun to write. I appreciate your kind words.
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Kim, thanks for this new poet! I enjoyed your cento; it tells a new story. I appreciate having the preview of the first ten days! I’m looking forward to Sandra Cisneros. Most of the poets I don’t know. Yet!
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Denise, I’m so excited to share the living poets I’ve been reading and learning about. Sandra will be tomorrow. I’m glad to have writing friends who love poetry!
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Thanks for introducing me to Cento poetry and to Amy Nemeck who lives in the same city as me! What a fun connection to have made through the SLOF challenge. I can’t wait to check her out.
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Jordan, thank you for reading and commenting! How wonderful to make a poet connection!
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Jordan, I tried commenting on your blog today. I loved the shining moments! Can you set your blog to allow comments? I know that others who read will want to add positive vibes as well!
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