PUBLIC POETRY PROJECT
A celebration of poems to the people
Ordinary Life
By Barbara Crooker
Barbara Crooker’s poem “Ordinary Life” speaks
of the “unexpected gift” provided by children
as well as the confluence of time and seasons. It is a good example
of how a poem often turns to reveal what a particular piece is
really about, the unexpected gift of insight or awareness experienced
by the writer and reader.
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Barbara Crooker reads “Ordinary Life”
What the Frost Casts Up
By Ed Ochester
Ed Ochester’s poem, “What the Frost Casts Up,”
reminds gardeners what the winter can do. At this time when what
has survived now flourishes, may you read this poem and have it
come back to you as you survey what the frost and snow will have
unsettled next year.
Notes on the Unspoken
By Deirdre O’Connor
Deirdre O’Connor’s poem, “Notes on the Unspoken,”
performs the feat of giving shape to nothing. As the poem progresses,
the silence itself changes until it becomes not only something
specific, but something of speed and beauty.
The Moment
By Len Roberts
Len Roberts’ “The Moment,” celebrates two moments:
the first being the surprise of our children so captured in the
poem. The second is the ability and desire to try and capture
such a moment, and to do so without either too sentimental or
too dismissive a treatment.
2004 Poetry Advisory Committee: Bonnie MacEwan,
William Brockman, William Joyce, Gabriel Welsch, Steven Herb
2004 Poetry Selection Committee: Marjorie Maddox-Hafer, Paul
Martin, Judy Vollmer