Confession time. I was trying my best to wait to read the book I chose to read for Sally Donnelly’s Summer Reading Club, 44 Poems on Being With Each Other by Padraig O’Tuama, but I have not been successful at all. A new book of poetry, for me, is a lot like that bag of M&Ms I try to hide from myself but that won’t quit calling my name until I give in and devour the whole thing. Forbidden M&Ms are like words of poetry – – I can’t quit until the last word in the bag is gone.
And so I have read, savored, pondered, written, and I haven’t gained all the pounds of the chocolate, but I’ve consumed all the delicious indulgence of the page. There’s no sense in feeling the guilt of reading the whole thing early ~ I read it and my clothes still fit, so I’ll celebrate the power of poetry to bring joy and inspire new writing.
I’ve been watercolor painting on weekends, and I decided to take Wendy Cope’s classic poem The Orange on page 224 in the book and allow it to inspire a poem and painting of a lemon, using Cope’s same iambic beat and stanza form. Already, I’m wondering what each poem in this book can inspire in art forms: photography, collage, jewelry design, mosaic, and a million other creative possibilities. I am re-reading already. A huge thanks to Sally Donnelly for inviting us to be part of a kindred gathering of readers.
The Lemon
while camping, I painted a lemon
its colors all citrus-y yellow
curious campers came calling
waving and smiling warm hellos
and that lemon, it brought conversations
of campfires and families and fun
once strangers, now neighbors chit-chatting
on sunshine-y site 301
the “ap-peel” was really surprising
my painting was not all that zesty
but colorful palettes paint friendships
I love my new lemon-y besties
Common Threads 
I have truly enjoyed your watercolor inspired poetry posts. I love the simplicity of the topic you’ve painted and then you write the cutest poems. The very same day you wrote about the cactus, I went for a beach walk and found a prickly pear cactus washed in with a ton of seaweed…and thought of you and what kind of poem you might create. š
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Debbie, your posts on Galveston and the art you created drew me right in. I love the style you have in capturing what you see in the natural world as you encounter things on your adventures. I can’t wait to read more – – your travels inspire me to want to travel, read, paint, sketch, and take in the world in fresh experiences outdoors.
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I’m positive that if I saw someone painting at a campground, I definitely would want to get to know them! I love this line: “but colorful palettes paint friendships.” That lemon and your accompanying poem made a bright start to my day.
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Thank you, Lori! It was interesting to see how people were so curious – – like I was having some sort of painting party. Thanks for reading!
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Super fun, witty poem! Yes, dogs and painting will bring out the new friendships š and super nice shout out for Sallyās summer book club. Iāll see you there.
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Fran, thank you. I can’t wait to experience all the interaction in the group.
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To borrow a favorite description from Allen Levi of Theo of Golden: those new campsite friendships have a glow of ālemon patina.ā
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Awwww, I love Theo and had forgotten about the glow of lemon patina…..that’s a great line!
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Kim,
I think I have that book already. I need to check my poetry bookcase. Love the lemon. Painting the tiny hash marks is satisfying. We need to compare supplies! I need a picture of you at the campsite painting. Get Briar to take one, please. Watercolor painting is cathartic. That lemon looks zesty to me.
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I sure will ask him to take a picture sometime. Usually I’m the photographer, but I might be able to coax him into using his camera phone. I do love the watercolor painting so much. I want to have a dedicated time to paint where I don’t feel rushed or putting it in between two appointments or events. I can’t wait to have that kind of time to have a “painting day” or a “reading day” or all the other things I’d like to have the time to enjoy at a more leisurely pace. Thank you, friend!
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Kim,
So much to love in your post today. The green and yellow curves of your painting, your poem, and the acknowledgment of how much simple connections with strangers can mean.
Looks like you’re ready for retirement!
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Thank you, Sharon! I love the thought of retirement…..and pedaling, and poeming and painting and birdwatching….like you!
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Kim, thanks for the smiles. I read the whole book last week after you mentioned it, sigh, some poems more than once. I did not gain weight either so perhaps poetry really is a diet food! Your painting is fabulous as well as you comments about painting inspiring friendships which I guess it does like writing and music and art. They are all forms of communication even though I never really thought about that too much, until now!
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Anita, thanks so much for reading and encouraging me. That book is really laid out well, and I like how he did it. I’m enjoying the painting and can’t wait to have more time to do more. I missed every lesson I signed up for because……work……so I am hoping to see all the recordings and try the lessons after the fact. You’re so kind to read and comment.
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You are a brave creative! Thanks for sharing your lemony goodness. What a fun poem! The rhymes and meter are spot on!
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Thank you, Margaret! I enjoyed using The Orange as a mentor poem.
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Yes, you are brave, Kim! I love the ideas you get and then follow through on. The orange poem to your lemony poem and artwork are just beautiful. It’s fun to watch you in action.
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Thanks so much, Denise! I am hoping to see you this evening at the Stafford guest poet event.
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