Brian, I love looking through the lens of childhood, but I rarely make time to savor those memories. Writing a poem is such a great way to do so. I'm so glad you chose this as a starting point. Every time I think back to favorite scenes from childhood, I'm struck by how memories evolve and transform--somehow becoming both less accurate, and also more true--with time. It's like the way you describe your six-year-old self who "did not grasp the gravity of the matter." I'm sure my childhood self didn't understand that certain ordinary moments would become important markers in the map of my life.
What a great read, Brian! I like the descriptions, especially the homemade trail mix of all things. I can picture myself at home actually making this in anticipation of the trek. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to the next in the series with yourself and Ann.
What strikes me is the mixture of feelings moving through the bracketed sections and feeling those out with and without the words in the brackets. It's a wonderful touch, Brian.
At first, it reminded me a bit of the way Mark Z Danielewski explores punctuation and style (specifically for one of the characters) in his wildly ambitious "The Familiar".
Excited for this exploration of memory with Ann. This is a perfect way to begin.
Thanks! I’m glad you’re reading along with us. I need to go back to that series. I read part of the first but never got through it…the structure was unlike anything else!
I love this. It reminded me of trips to see my grandparents in Prescott, AZ. They lived on the side of the mountain, which was magical when the world I came from was so flat.
What a beautiful poem, whether you are 6 or 60 a moment and an experience of connection is precious.
I have no one memory like this but I spent much of my childhood in trees (hiding and climbing) and of course I still feel the being of trees to the point of distress when they are harmed.
Beautiful, Brian! This feels like a wonderful tangent to your usual style. It maintains all I love about your poetry and adds this wonderful storytelling element. I loved your use of brackets which feel like poems inside of a poem.
I'm excited to experience this conversation between you and Ann!
Jason, it makes me happy to see you in the comments this morning! You nailed it, this piece definitely has more of a narrative, storytelling side to it. It was a different place to begin, with a story in mind, then trying to get the sound and rhythm to come along for the hike. It was quite challenging! But that's the fun part about prompts, or this exchange idea. You have some confines to stay within.
Brian, I love looking through the lens of childhood, but I rarely make time to savor those memories. Writing a poem is such a great way to do so. I'm so glad you chose this as a starting point. Every time I think back to favorite scenes from childhood, I'm struck by how memories evolve and transform--somehow becoming both less accurate, and also more true--with time. It's like the way you describe your six-year-old self who "did not grasp the gravity of the matter." I'm sure my childhood self didn't understand that certain ordinary moments would become important markers in the map of my life.
I love this summation…less accurate and more true! Looking forward to tomorrow!
Such a beautiful poem, Brian. You got me from the start -- life is made only of days -- a feeling only a child can embody in its fullness.
I am looking forward to the next parts :)
Thanks, I’m always glad to see you here!
What a great read, Brian! I like the descriptions, especially the homemade trail mix of all things. I can picture myself at home actually making this in anticipation of the trek. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to the next in the series with yourself and Ann.
Thank you Neil💫
What strikes me is the mixture of feelings moving through the bracketed sections and feeling those out with and without the words in the brackets. It's a wonderful touch, Brian.
At first, it reminded me a bit of the way Mark Z Danielewski explores punctuation and style (specifically for one of the characters) in his wildly ambitious "The Familiar".
Excited for this exploration of memory with Ann. This is a perfect way to begin.
Thanks! I’m glad you’re reading along with us. I need to go back to that series. I read part of the first but never got through it…the structure was unlike anything else!
'His six years aged into sixty million.'
An evocative line that took me back to sensing my world as a youngster.
Thanks for reading, I’m glad that line struck you!
That was fun- Bear Lake is near our home.
Such a beautiful part of the world!! I haven’t been to Estes or Rocky Mountain in over 10 years. Looking forward to getting back there someday!
I love this. It reminded me of trips to see my grandparents in Prescott, AZ. They lived on the side of the mountain, which was magical when the world I came from was so flat.
Nice! I was lucky having grandparents in Colorado and northern Minnesota. There were summer adventures every year!
We live in Pinewood Springs, a mountain community 20 minutes from Estes Park.
Beautiful poetry!!
Thanks!
What a beautiful poem, whether you are 6 or 60 a moment and an experience of connection is precious.
I have no one memory like this but I spent much of my childhood in trees (hiding and climbing) and of course I still feel the being of trees to the point of distress when they are harmed.
Theirs is a real connection to places we loved as kids. Thanks for reading along!
Beautiful, Brian! This feels like a wonderful tangent to your usual style. It maintains all I love about your poetry and adds this wonderful storytelling element. I loved your use of brackets which feel like poems inside of a poem.
I'm excited to experience this conversation between you and Ann!
Jason, it makes me happy to see you in the comments this morning! You nailed it, this piece definitely has more of a narrative, storytelling side to it. It was a different place to begin, with a story in mind, then trying to get the sound and rhythm to come along for the hike. It was quite challenging! But that's the fun part about prompts, or this exchange idea. You have some confines to stay within.