Ever Ready: Autumn Poetry

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Autumn Poetry

Mississippi River, Minneapolis, Minnesota

In August I chaired a poetry event for the Northwoods Art and Book Festival. I asked each of the participants who were reading their poems to reflect on why poetry matters to you. Here were some of their responses.
Poetry, like music. echoes and affirms the joys and sorrows in our lives.
I love the rhythm and texture of words that can relay profound thoughts, images, and emotions in small spaces.
Writing, reading and hearing poetry is pure pleasure.
I've come to believe poetry is the signature of one's soul and paintings are its portrait.

As for me I would like to pass along this quote from Ralph Fletcher's book Poetry Matters. He said," Poetry matters, at the most important moments,when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak. Poems shine, sing, soar."

Poetry opens a new season today. Sharon's beautiful imagery in the poem "Autumn" sets the scene.

"Autumn"

by Sharon Harris

Autumn

is a shy lady,

gentle and cool,

a bit aloof in her ways,

sharp sometimes

but beautiful too.

she dresses in robes of brilliant color,

ever-changing

from rust to gold,

from amber to shimmering red.

she is flamboyant in her dress

but quiet otherwise.

there is a deep secrecy in her voice,

frost on her breath

and the look of death in her eyes.

"Autumn" from "Four Seasons Women"

previously published in Unspoken 2011

A person's dreams, fears, and hurts often remain unspoken. This is Sharon's third book of poetry--basically raw feelings, expressed in simple words. Don't let your life's passions and your yearnings disappear unwritten or unspoken.

Follow this link if you'd like to purchase the book for $10.00

http://www.jackpinewriters.com/published-books/

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Molasses Crinkles

Cook's notes: This recipe may be the oldest one I have ever posted on this blog. It originally dates back to 1948. Countless recipes have since been based on this beloved cookie. One taste you will be hooked. It begs to be served with a cup of coffee or tea.

I did not have on hand the coarse sugar suggested for the recipe. The cookie dough ball was rolled in fine white sugar as a substitute. A plate of cookies, a cup of coffee and Sharon's poetry book Unspoken certainly was a perfect way to usher in autumn.

Recipe comes from BHG Special Interest Publication Best Loved Reader Recipes 2013
Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup shortening (I used 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup margarine)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1-/1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cloves (I used 1/8 because ground cloves has a strong taste)
1 large egg
1/4 cup mild flavor molasses
2-1/4 cups of flour
1/3 cup coarse sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375
In a large bowl beat shortening for 30 seconds and then add in brown sugar, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves-beat until combined
Beat in egg and molasses and 1-1/4 cups flour
Beat in rest of flour if batter too thick stir in rest of flour to blend
Cover and chill dough one hour or place in freezer for 45 minutes
Place coarse sugar on a large dinner plate
Roll dough into 1-1/2 inch balls and then roll in coarse sugar
Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet
Bake 10-11 minutes-edges should be set and tops crackled
Transfer cookies to a wire rack