It is not stroking kayaks across Holland’s morning mirror
winter’s lifeblood trailing streams along my arms.
It is not dipping paddles through a gleaming glassy surface,
fishes floundering in a space that disappears.
It is not breaking branches along glacial mountain passes
heightening a sense of something near.
It is not snowmelt mounting, forcing channels through rock canyons
weeping diamonds in a forest of steep fears.
It is not a red winged blackbird admonishing existence
as I wander on the walkway near its nest.
It is not the thrumming wings of pelicans, against an ancient sky
over Buffalo Creek in deep July.
This is dripping salt from my eyes.
Brenda Warren
April 2015
If I make it through a month of writing it will be my sixth year participating in National Poetry Month’s poem a day during April, or NaPoWriMo. Here is the prompt for today:
Today’s prompt is a poem of negation – yes (or maybe, no), I challenge you to write a poem that involves describing something in terms of what it is not, or not like. For example, if you chose a whale as the topic of your poem, you might have lines like “It does not settle down in trees at night, cooing/Nor will it fit in your hand.” Happy writing!
~~~
As it is, poems have a mind of their own. While this one speaks of what it’s not, it’s also what it is. Makes sense to me.
I reserve the right to edit these pieces as moments pass. Nothing is every really finished.
undercaws 
tasting salt
~
one’s connection
to home
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Now I understand why the Whirl had to take a back seat! We always miss the places where we’ve been happy, but there’s the excitement of something new to look forward to – I’m an experienced mover-oner. I do love the poem – a great start to Napo.
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Thank you. You’ve moved fairly recently, Viv. I remember some of the work your move inspired. Big changes do create openings. My home is with Len. We will love Ohio together.
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Makes me feel like it is though. Great technique. I’m inspired to take the plunge into April poeming, Brenda.
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Thanks, Irene. Looking forward to sharing words this month.
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Yes, this is beautiful, Brenda. You are going to miss that country. I can read it in your words. Happy poeming my friend.
Pamela ox
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Yes, I am, but there will be new country to explore, and I’ll always have friends here to visit. Thanks for stopping by, I’m looking forward to sharing another April with you.
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beautifully written
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Thanks, Cathy. Here’s to poem-filled April!
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Leaving MT ? I think no since it has woven a heart song in your blood that flows like rivers from mountains to plains. She will always be a part of you.
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Thanks, MC. Your comment brings comfort. Our friendship will always be a part of me, too.
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Because I loved Montana more than any other place I’ve ever been, I feel your feelings, see with your eyes, and this is beautiful.
Elizabeth
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Thank you, Elizabeth. I imagine Montana will show up in my work a lot this month. I’m looking forward to sharing another April with you.
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