Montgomery Botanical Gardens, in conjunction with AARP, sponsored the first of a series of literary workshops in the gardens at Oak Park on Sunday, September 18.
Presenter, Dr. Jacqueline Allen Trimble, shared several pieces of her poetry and walked the participants through how to write their own poems…a poem of their life. Workshop participants then wrote individual poems. At the conclusion of the activity, one participant commented, “I am so glad that I had facial tissue in my bag”. Below are two poems written by workshop participants.
Montgomery Botanical Gardens and AARP plan two additional literary workshops in the coming months. The second, to be held Sunday, October 16 at 3:00 pm in the Gardens, will be conducted by renown storyteller Joseph Trimble. A third workshop will be an open mike Poetry Slam and Spoken Word event and will be held Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 pm.
WHERE I’M FROM
By Cathy Maddox
I am from Azalea blossoms and Magnolias blooms
I am from salt spray and hurricanes
I am from climbing the Sweet Gum tree and playing Hide and Seek
I am from stories on the big front porch on breezy evenings
I am from Mom’s dark eyes and Dad’s straight teeth when my smile
I am from a loaded, crowded dining table welcoming all
I am from turnip greens and corn bread, fried chicken, fresh shrimp, raw oysters and bread pudding
I am from piano lessons with Mr. Angelo, strict behavior in “hard shell” church and singing acapella with gusto
I am from billowing pastel gowns of trail maids, the loud, gaudy parades and glittering balls of Fat Tuesday
I am from Ben, Ethellene, Aunt Lottie, Big Sissy and Mr. Ed
I am from “Ladies don’t chew gum” and “girls can’t do that” and that’s for the boys”
I am from many voices, rapid instructions, many siblings, and sharing bedrooms
I am from ““do your chores first”, “respect your elders”, “behave yourself”, and “don’t ask why”
I am from “don’t cross our legs”, “stand up straight”, “yes ma’am”, “no ma’am”, and “thank you ma’am”
I am from “hospitality is class” and “everyone is welcome” and “you are judged by your behavior not your appearance”
I am from English, Scottish, Irish, Creek and French, and more importantly American
I am from leather-bound books, learning, helping others, good citizens, good grades, good manners,
I am from the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer each school day
I am from no nonsense, and “lead, follow or get out of the way”
I am from home, family, loyalty and reverence
I am from falling in love in Fairhope, Al and being 72 years married
I am from love
I SAW MY DAD
By Marilyn Hobbs
I saw my dad, I always think of my dad when I look in the mirror
My face, my fingers, my feet! All of this reminds me of my dad
My face reminds me of aging, yes! I am aging, I remember the young me
I see the age, the wrinkles, the lines, the freckles, the dark spots
But, I also see the younger me, my eyes….oh my eyes,
People use to tell me that I have pretty eyes….my nose, which belongs to my mom!
My lips, full like my dad’s, my hair, thick like my dad’s, graying my age
Grey hair, I’ve decided to let it go, at lease around the sides, just like my dad, haha