Robyn Hood Black - children's author, poet, artist

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers!  I'm waving from the land of fairies and fables today.  I've been taking an online gel plate printing mixed media course with Tara Axford through Fibre Arts Take Two, a very dangerous destination for many of you fellow studio mess and magic makers - consider yourself warned.  Anyway, the courses are amazing; FATT is based in Australia primarily, but instructors and students come from every corner of the globe. 

 

I've dabbled in this form a bit before, but I've so enjoyed this very organized, challenging, and inspiring deep dive.  The portion of the course with the instructor regularly popping into a private Facebook Live group is now past, but I'm still making my way through remaining modules.  FATT course materials and their gorgeously executed videos are available to access for life. 

 

Anyway, at one point we were experimenting with botanicals, which I enjoyed much more than I would have anticipated.  Some of these prints especially surprise with an ethereal quality I'm hoping to master a bit  more. On a morning walk with my dog at Furman last week - one of those crisp, bright days on the cusp of Spring -  I pocketed some lovely vinca growing wild off of a trail in the woods.  I made several prints with these in different configurations, and the one above seemed to suggest a fairy to me with the way the leaves presented themselves at the bottom. 

 

So with some minor contributions from pen and ink and colored pencil, I went with it. ;0) I also found some fairy references in an antique children's magazine, which I copied on my home printer onto vellum paper, to keep the old look.  I found a fairy-sized "poem" of sorts in a story and cut it out to complement the print. (The words are from "How Quercus Alba went to Explore the Underworld, and What Came of It," I believe by Jane Andrews. It was published in Our Young Folks - An Illustrated Magazine for Boys and Girls, Ticknor and Fields, Boston, 1868.)

 

the fairies are working

           painting flowers and

             delicate things

 

I hope to continue working, making more images of "flowers and delicate things," as the Fey direct.

 

I'm also working on my annual contributions for Core Essentials Values, a national character education program. (Was that a soft deadline whooshing by?  Shhhh....)  A couple of years ago, soemthing new was added to my assignments, after a collaborative meeting when I tossed the idea - fables!  For two years these have appeared in a book form, but for next year, they will be digital.  I'm not exactly sure what that will look like, but I'm excited to see.

 

I always revisit classic fables and commentary when I sit down to conjure up my modern ones (featuring animals I've already chosen to represent each month's value). The ones I write are far less dark than traditional fables! Anyway, recently I came across these words below from International Collectors Library about their 1968 Aesop's Fables, Based on the Translation of George Fyler Townsend. I found these assertions quite timely.  

 

   In his perceptive introductory essay, Isaac Bashevis Singer writes:  "Aesop's fables teach lessons both in life and literature that are valid today and will remain so forever.  Thousands of years ago he pointed out that no change in system can do away with the aggressor, the liar, the flatterer, the intriguer, the exploiter, the parasite.... Aesop's fables mock all the illusions of the 'new man.' His lions, wolves, foxes, and hares will outlive all the social systems."

 

Sigh. Maybe so, but I'll still keep reaching for the light. 

 

Our wonderful Janice is shining the light on the best of human nature over at Salt City Verse, where she's hosting the Roundup.  Thank you, Janice!!

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers! On Monday, I was delighted to participate in on online poetry reading with other contributors to IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY - Poems of Possibility,  the newest collection from the power-poetry team of Irene Latham and Charles Waters.  It's hot off the press this week from Candlewick Press and features joyoful illustrations by Olivia Sua.  Each poem of this uplifting anthology begins with the word, "If."

 

Thanks to those of you who tuned in! What an honor to be part of the group of readers and teachers, students, and poetry fans for an hour, celebrating Read Across America Day.  The event was hosted by  The Writing Barn. 

 

Irene and Charles asked me to write a poem on the theme of peace.

 

 

 

A Glimmer of Peace

 

 

 

If you spin

 

your silky dreams,

 

then  

 

    wait

 

       breathe -

 

let peace unfurl

 

moonshimmer wings

 

 

©Robyn Hood Black

 

 

Though this book was several years in the making, I think the timing of its release is most welcome. 

 

Personally, it was interesting to revisit this little poem of mine this week, as the day after the reading, I was in downtown Greenville participating in a peaceful protest.  Hadn't done that sort of thing in a while!

 

Wishing you a peaceful Poetry Friday and beyond.  

 

Our wonderful Margaret has the Roundup this week at Reflections on the Teche.  How was Mardi Gras, Margaret? :0)

 

Howdy - Quick Wave today as I'm on the road! Just a reminder that Monday will find myself and others gathering for a free reading of Irene & Charles's wonderful new collection, IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY. Registration details are here. Denise has this week's Poetry Friday Roundup today here; thank you, Denise!  And she has some poetic thoughts on Liberty. (Speaking of which, I plan to show up for a local protest by an Indivisible group on Tuesday, March 4.  You might see if there's one in your area if you're interested!) Take good care & see you soon, Robyn

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers - I'm feeling overwhelmed this week at the dismantling of our country, and now, the blowing up of 80 years of American leadership on the global stage. Initially I was heartbroken for the millions of hungry and hurting children and others abandoned with the gutting of USAID, and the many here who are suffering/will suffer from reckless, unnecessary, and just plain stupid cuts and policies, not to mention misinformation/disinformation.  Reform is one thing; fine - but the glee and inherent cruelty of the complete destruction of what's held us up for almost two and half-centuries is something else entirely. And now the President has changed sides in a war and turned his back on our allies. How does one measure the loss of trust? Billions, trillions, of dollars doesn't touch it. 

 

 

 

breaking news breaking everything

 

 

©Robyn Hood Black

 

 

I know many of us are calling and some are marching.  A streamlined way to contact elected leaders for any zip code is through 5 Calls.  My hubby directed me to their phone app which makes it even easier.  Remember to leave your full street address if you have to leave a message, so your call will be counted for that day. And remember to be kind to the person on the other end, who must be fielding all kinds of strong emotions with every answered call. 

 

The amazing and thoughtful Laura Purdie Salas has our Roundup this week; thank you, Laura!

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers!  Happy Valentine's Day.  I'm delighted to share the love today... for a brand new poetry collection from the I&C Construction Company, better known as Irene Latham and Charles Waters. IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY - Poems of Possibility officially blooms on March 4, but I received a contributor's copy this week.  Squee!  This new volume from Candlewick Press offers 31 poems (all beginning with the word 'if') celebrating possibility, soaring on the wings of imagination and hope.  (See the publisher's page and purchasing links here.) Colorful cut-paper illustrations by Olivia Sua are full of heart and bring the words to life.

 

I don't know about you, but I can sure use an anthology like this about now.  The collection celebrates possibility in all its beautiful colors, with diversity among poets and in the words and heart-warming images. The book's title comes from the title of a wonderful poem by award-winning poet and writer Lisa Rogers. (And it makes me wonder, what would YOUR best day include?  Hmmm....)

 

Irene and Charles have included poems by several familiar Poetry Friday folks, as well as some classic poems and works by superstars Joseph Bruchac, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Nikki Grimes, and Janet Wong, among others (see above). I'm delighted to have a short poem, "A Glimmer of Peace,"  in the last section, "Anything is Possible." I'll share it in a couple of weeks.

 

In the meantime, here's just a morsel or two from the book to whet your appetite. 

 

In "What Kind of Word is If?" Georgia Heard begins:

 

If is a wise word, 

a wishing word,

  a winged word

  that flies in the blue

  sky of hope.

 

I didn't add them up, but the number of poems in this book (including mine) which feature birds, wings, and flight would be a high percentage!

 

It would very hard to pick favorites, but some of the poems which particularly sparked magic for me include Sarah Grace Tuttle's "The Rock," Gabi Snyder's "Blue Bike," and Guadalupe García McCall's "If I Were a Bookworm."  BUT - they're all wonderful.  As Irene and Charles write, "Every child has spent minutes, days, years in the land of "if."

 

(And many of us have never quite migrated from there!)

 

An Emily Dickinson poem is included in "The Power of You" section, and I think its spirit pulses from cover to cover of this anthology.

 

 

If I can stop one Heart from breaking

I shall not live in vain

If I can ease one Life the Aching

Or cool one Pain

 

Or help one fainting Robin

Unto his Nest again

I shall not live in Vain.

 

 

Amen, Emily, and thanks to Charles and Irene (and Olivia Sua and the Candlewick team) for offering this gift to the world.  It's been many years in the making, but the timing seems perfect.

 

But wait - there's more!  The Writing Barn, along with Irene and Charles, are hosting a free poetry reading with 17 poets from the book in celebration of Read Across America Day.  Registration info and details can be found here.  

 

For lots of poetry love this week, head over to TeacherDance, where our amazing and generous Linda has the Roundup.  Happy Heart Day, Linda! 

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers! This week, I am happy to share the rest of the wonderful New Year Poem Postcard Swap treasures that made their way from many regions of the country to my mailbox.  Thank you, Poetry Friends!  Our Swap wrangler Jone Rush MacCulloch always invites participants to explore the theme of the Lunar New Year (which buys us a few weeks of sending time!), but that is not a requirement.  I'm always delighted to read/see the thoughts, inspirations, and clever creations folks come up with. It's a great way to start a new year, maybe this one more than ever. (And we get to enjoy the word, 'Apricity'!) Enjoy!

 

****

 

CHOOSE JOY

 

LOVE ANYWAY

 

gorgeous handmade prints

strung together ©Mary Lee Hahn

 

 

****

 

 

Apricity

(the warmth of the sun in winter)

 

Awakening the day's

Promise, sun's warmth.

Reaches

Inside the depths of winter's 

Chill

Inviting us to 

Tranquil hearts and souls

Yielding peace.

 

©Rose Capelli

 

 

****

 

 

FEAR

 

I ache whenever I see Liberty faltering.

 

I cringe whenever I hear the fiery blazes.

 

I grieve whenever I think of tomorrow.

 

But not today.

 

Today I will wear my full sunshine

 

and bask in hope where the yesses are.

 

Liberty, look at me.

 

Blazes, hear me.

 

Tomorrow, think of me.

 

 

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

 

©Denise Krebs

 

 

****

 

 

Temptation Wins

 

This is it.  This will be the year.

I'm gonna rein it in.  I'm too old

for these late-night shenanigans.

I gotta leave it to the young-uns.

An ol' Ky-ote can be content

under a sky full of memories

 

leading the pack, the night runs,

the thrill of the chase, all creosote

and rabbit musk - this year, 

I give it up.  I'm two days in,

relyin' on stamina,

controlling the urge, ignoring...

 

aw shit... why do I even try...

Ow-woo!  Yip-yip-yip! Ow-woo!

 

©Patricia J. Franz

 

   

****

 

PERKS OF BEING A SNAKE

 

  At birth a snake

     is qualified

 to taste the world,

with tongue as guide

 

  Need some room

  inside your head?

  A snake's jaw is 

  known to spread

 

Snakes molt as needed 

   (shed their skin)

Now is a good time

      to begin

 

©Tabatha Yeatts

 

 

****

 

 

iris is a waterwheel

pupil is a solar cell

eyelash is a gear & sprocket

muscle is a thermal well

arm is a rotor blade

blood is an ocean swell

 

body is a generator

heart is a battery

I believe that we can solve

our energy emergency

 

©Heidi Mordhorst

 

 

****

 

 

gather

ingredients

without a recipe - 

trust that your instincts can

               create

wonders

 

©Sarah Grace Tuttle

 

 

****

 

 

I Walk the Beach at Dawn

 

The tide crashes onto the skerries

rocking and roiling, stirring up

sand grains, sea kelp, and flotsam

 

a wood snake, last night's driftwood arrival

hisses, take note of your dreams,

I make list in the sand, throw a rock into the sea

 

for health and joy of those I love

for guidance from the ancestors

the asking prayer for the year

 

©Jone Rush MacCulloch

 

 

****

 

 

moody, gray, cloudy

 

day, a stand of aspen

 

trees golden leaves

 

light our way

 

©Gail Aldous

 

 

 ****

 

 

Year of the Snake Etched in Stillness

 

evening settles

in winter's shadowed silence

sparkling like diamonds

silhouetting against the sky

nature spreads its charm

 

©Carol Varsalona

 

 

****

 

Advice from a titmouse

 

         Show up

       Be curious

   Don't let your size

determine your goals

       Hold on tight

when the wind blows

 

        Never forget...

You were made for flying!

 

©Molly Hogan

 

 

****

 

 

 To Your Future Self

 

Tell me about 2025.

Tell me about rising and shining.

Tell me about moving and making.

 

Tell me about white roses in crystal vases.

Tell me about purple silks and silver stars.

Tell me about mothering your soft animal you.

 

Tell me who you lifted.

Tell me who you held.

Tell me why you cared.

 

Tell me what you forgave.

Tell me when you bowed your head.

Tell me that you made it.

 

©Mona Voelkel

 

 

****

 

These poems and images (many original or by family members), along with the few I posted week before last, have been lovely gifts with which to start the new year and arm my mind and soul.  Now it's time to turn out attention to the holiday of LOVE - Carol at Beyond Literacy Link is ready to help us all do just that as she's hosting the Roundup this week.  Thanks, Carol!  (Also, speaking of postcards, I sent a bunch of original Valentine postcards to the shop in Beaufort, SC, where I still have my wares for sale, and listed a few in my Etsy shop.)

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers!  One thing I always enjoy about the start of a new year is Jone Rush MacCulloch's New Year Poem Postcard Swap! I'm always inspired by the words and images which grace my mailbox, and I (mostly!) love coming up with something myself to send.  Especially because Jone expands the New Year to include the Chinese New Year, with an invitation to incorporate whatever animal is representing that year.  (This year, it'll be the wood snake, and we have until Jan. 29 to send our poems!  That might also just be Jone's birthday, a little snake told me, a day before my own.)  SO, my poem is written, and that's as far as I've gotten. I plan to get my cards made and out by next week.  

 

Other members of our community are far more on the ball.  I've already received a couple of wonderful cards (and a third late today, which I haven't had a chance to look at yet.) I'm delighted to share these gems from Linda Mitchell and Tracey Kiff-Judson. I'm constantly amazed by Linda's mixed media creations (as well as her poems - this one begs to be read aloud), and Tracey's bold art is lively and smile-inducing! Plus, her poem is especially delicious.  Enjoy!

 

 

Year of the Wood Snake

2025

 

Wood snake shifting

this year's first breath.

Shimmering mist,

a welcome guest.

 

Bring no worry

Wood snake shifting.

No more woe, or 

unrhymed poems.

 

Come now springtime!

Come green new shoots!

Wood snake shifting

'tween forest roots.

 

Bring gentle words

fresh ideas too

a good year of

wood snake shifting.

 

©Linda Mitchell

 

 

 

A New Year

 

Stacked with possibility,

limoncello, pumpkin, cherry

flavor awaits

 

Which will you choose

Lip-puckering sunshine?

The comfort of warm spice?

A bit of hibiscus passion?

 

Perhaps a nibble of each...

 

©Tracey Kiff-Judson

 

 

Mmmm.... definitely a nibble of each.  And, yes, come green new shoots!  (January has been frigid, with more arctic blasts on tap for next week.)

 

Thank you, Linda and Tracey, for these treasures.  Now shift yourself over to see Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect, where you'll find the Roundup.  Thanks, Tricia, for hosting!

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers - I've missed you!  Happy 2025!! We were away for two and a half weeks, from before Christmas til after New Year's, happily on grandparent duty.  Our wee laddie grandboy Sawyer (2 1/2) now has a beautiful baby sister, Ellie Grace.  Everyone is doing great. 

 

Though I usually enjoy participating in the holiday poem swap organized by our wonderful Tabatha, this year (with the baby due date in December and the usual Etsy orders flurry right before Christmas), I told Tabatha I'd have to take a pass.  I didn't realize she'd keep my name in the bin for someone who might want to send something to those who couldn't reciprocate.

 

Before we left on our trip, I got a wonderful surprise package from Maine - from Donna JT Smith.  Not only was there a lovely card, but she had sent the fun painting and poem above and a lovely gold necklace featuring three charms:  a heart, a butterfly, and a little tag with a cut-out star reading "MIRACLE." I wore that necklace every day for a week, I guess - before Ellie Grace was born and for several days after.  (You can see it in the photo above.)  I emailed Donna with thanks for her kindness, and told her the gift was so meaningful as both of these babies are miracle IVF babies!

 

This is my first Poetry Friday back home, and the "Snow Fellows" poem Donna sent is perfect for it.  As I tap out these words on Thursday, we're under a winter storm warning starting first thing Friday morning.  (So if I don't respond to comments, our power might be out!) We're expecting some heavy snow and then ice and other frozen mixes later.  Schools and such are closed. I'm anxious to see what our cold-weather-loving, 42-pounds-of-fluff Rookie thinks of the snow.

 

Snow Fellows

 

Snowy fellows in the yard, stand so staid and fast

till down the slope the sunlight slips, and it is dark at last.

Then is when the party starts, when dark and cold are most.

No campfire's lit, no hot dogs, no marshmallows to roast.

But,

there are some luscious slushies, snowy cones and icy treats,

just the sort of healthy foods a snowman needs to eat!

There are games galore for fun in snow, like sledding, skating,

skiing;

and if they want another friend, they roll a new snowbeing!

The party ends just when the sky starts lifting up the sun.

Returning to their old rolled spots, their twinkling eyes are done.

You may not ever see them dance, nor ever hear them sing,

but look someday, 'round where they've stood - 

Hmmm - footprints in a ring!

 

©Donna JT Smith

 

I love "snowbeing" - ha!

 

While we are anticpating snow, I want to send light and love and prayers to everyone living through the horrific wildfire situation in Los Angeles. My bother-in-law and his family are all in the area.  They are okay and the kids evacuated the city, but it's hard to try to comprehend so much loss and on such a scale. 

 

It's "reigning" cats and dogs at Kat's Whiskers, where Kat kindly has the Roundup! 

GREETINGS in 2025! Just popping in at the end of our new-grandbaby tour of duty - blissful deployment - to wish you a peaceful and inspiring start to the year. All while knowing peace is not enjoyed by everyone, and we begin 2025 in need of both contemplation and work, as always. 
Technology has been prickly during my trip, with my laptop uncooperative. So I'll have a real post next week. But please go visit Mary Lee at A(nother) Year of Reading for the Roundup! (My phone is not cooperating to copy the link either!) Off to a technology-free baby and her toddler brother... see you soon! xo

 

Greetings, Poetry Lovers!  I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving holilday, and here we are barreling toward Christmas! Our celebrations will be especially exciting this year as we anticipate the birth of our second grandbaby, a girl this time. :0) Due date is in a couple of weeks, but she could come any time.  After working on Etsy orders til 4 a.m., I went ahead and put my shop on vacation mode for the holidays, to be on call as needed. 

 

Speaking of holidays, I came across this old poem and it struck a funny chord with me.  Maybe a little too much of a self-reflective chord?  It's long, but perhaps it will be a good diversion for you, too.  It's by Virginia Woodward Cloud, a writer I wasn't familiar with.  She was quite active in Baltimore at the turn of the last century, so perhaps some of you know her work?

 

The 'holiday' referenced here isn't quite our winter holidays, I suspect, but it seemed appropriate for this time of year anyway. Looks like the illustrator's last name is Birch? I think this would make a great standard cumulative-tale picture book as well; the author kindly left the image details to the artist.  I found it in Volume II of The Home University Bookshelf, The University Society, Inc., New York, 1948.

 

Wishing you a holiday journey with some real rest and relaxation, and a sense of humor too.

 

The Happy Holiday of Master Merrivein

 

Virginia Woodward Cloud

 

"I'll be up to Durley Fair," quoth Master Merrivein;

"A day of rest and jollity, then hie me home again.

With shillings in my pocket, and the harvest-work all done,

I'll spend a happy holiday, then back by set o' sun!"

 

So blithesome Master Merrivein, all in his Sunday best,

Started straightway for Durly Fair with energy and zest;

His stick upon his shoulder, most joyfully he sped,

But suddenly a voice from a neighbor's gateway said:

 

"OH, Master, Master Merrivein!

   As you go to the fair,

Will you take my tumbler-pigeons to the pigeon-fakir there?"

So, kindly Master Merrivein, he slung them on his back,

The pigeons and the pigeon-cage. (They made a goodly pack!)

 

"HOLD! Hold there, Master Merrivein!  As you go through the town, Will you leave this little donkey with brother Billy Brown? 

The donkey  is so gentle, and so tractable, 't is said, That, if you don not beat him, he'll just trot on ahead!"

 

So, kindly Mr. Merrivein, he added to his store,

By letting one small donkey just trot right on before.

 

"Ho there, you Master Merrivein!

Go you by Durley Fair?

Then please just take these candlesticks to cousin Betty Blair!

This bonnet, in the bonnet-box, I'll add, if you don't mind,

And these few little trifles I will just tie on behind!

 

"They're for my sister at the Inn, good sir; and mother begs

To add this green umbrella and a basketful of eggs!"

 

So, kindly Master Merrivein, he took them on his arm

For fear the bonnet and the eggs might straightway come to harm.

 

"OH, Master, Master Merrivein! Just step around this way!

If only you will drive a cow along with you to-day!

She's the gentlest, kindest animal that ever yet was seen,

And I've sold her to young Mistress Finch, who llives on Durley Green!"

 

So, kindly Master Merrivein, he hummed a little song,

And the cow she switched her tail about and straightway went along.

 

"OH, wait – wait, Master Merrivein! Please stop a moment where

The crossroads meet the schoolhouse, well-nigh to Durley Fair,

And give this keg of butter and bag of tarts so nice,

And this shawl and woolen comforter, to good old Granny Gryce!"

 

So, kindly Master Merrivein, with effort and with care,

Got all these things slung on him – no matter how or where.

 

"Is that good Master Merrivein?  Three squawking geese have I;

I'll hang them on your shoulder, and their feet I'll tightly tie.

Just leave them with Dame Blodgett, anear the crooked stile,

The other side of Durley Green, about a half a mile!"

 

"OH, stop – stop, Master Merrivein!  Go you to Hurley Fair?

Then I beg you take this finery for my daughter Meg to wear,

This flowered hat and tippet, the mitts and paduasoy.

She's at Aunt Elsie's cottage, and will welcome you with joy!"

 

"WAIT there, good Master Merrivein! If to the fair you go,

Please take my fiddle and my flute to Uncle Jerrygo!

The tuning-fork and music rack, accordian and horn,

Are for his son, who leads the band at Durley Fair each morn!"

 

So straightway, Master Merrivein, so good and true and kind,

Started him off to Durley Fair a day of rest to find.

But did he find it? Oh, dear me!  Go ascertain, I pray,

Of all the curious country-folk who passed him on the way!

 

FOR the gentle little donkey – that the sight you may not miss,

I'll say it took an attitude occasionally like this –

While the pigeons and the squawking geese, I really am afraind,

That one small picture could ot hold the havoc that they made!

 

THE cow (that gentle animal!) –  to-morrow, at the fair,

Young Mistress Finch may try to sell; I warn you, then beware!

For Master Merrivein found out, to his own great surprise,

That she had an unexpected way of taking exercise.

 

And all the other articles? Alack-a-day! I ween,

Some things, to be appreciated, really must be seen;

But if you'd fully understand the how, and when, and where,

Go take a day (like Merrivein's) to rest at Durley Fair!

 

 

Please visit the generous Carol at The Apples in my Orchard for this week's Roundup, and for her personal post about other seasons in the lives of our families.  Thank you, Carol.