Reflections On Poetry

I was encouraged to read more poetry before I began this journey on Substack. And, now I'd like to share how valuable poetry is…

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a documentary from the early 80s with artists reading poetry with music to add even another layer of emotion. It was called Poetry in Motion.

I experienced delight and wonder at the full production behind each poem. There was a stage, musicians, another with a piano and dancers.

The time and thought that went into pulling this together was fascinating. In it, I found a time capsule full of wonder.

No matter how much I love music, I also realized that I would never be able to pair my poems with a beat.

In reality, I seem to be doing something fairly similar. I have been pairing poetry with my paintings, incorporating visuals to help set the stage. Or, I pull out an emotion struck me as I worked on a piece of art and find the words to express it.

This notion of sharing my words is even more deeply personal than the expressions in my visual work, especially in the recent post where I shared a painting and poem about my father.

In a world where there are so many haters, I’ve been asking myself, why? Why am I being so open?

Because real growth requires risk. And work. And sticking with the hard stuff.

I am ready to be more, do more, and simply be me.

This abstract painting from 2022 hangs above my sofa.

On my poetry reading journey, I’ve recaptured old favorites discovered some new ones too.

I always loved Edgar Allen Poe, the way his stories scared and intrigued. The movies based on his work, starring Vincent Price always captivated me. I re-read The Raven, and for a few days, my mind echoed the words “rapping at my door.” Poe will always be on my list of favorites.

However, it wasn’t until I read Rilke’s Sonnets to Orpheus, translated by Edward Snow, that I realized poetry could bring on strong emotion suddenly, without warning. (If you want to look it up, it was sonnet #26!)

I’m finding so much depth in poetry by others.

Recently, I read Amanda Lovelace’s The Princess Saves Herself in This One. It read like a novel, from one poem to the next. And it was beautiful.

And, I discovered Mary Oliver. Which is crazy because she was so prolific. I listened to a celebration of her work, Wild and Precious narrated by Sophia Bush, and I cried along with those who reflected on individual poems she wrote that brought meaning into their lives.

With my Audible subscription, I will be listening to Dog Songs, narrated by Mary Oliver herself. I’m both looking forward to it and dreading it because I expect to hear truth in her words about the joys of dog ownership and depth of loss. (I’m a dog lover, and hate that their lives are so short. It hurts me to my bones, thinking of my fur babies that we’ve lost.)

I also came across Kim Dower and was inspired by her work. It felt so personal. After reading I Wore This Dress Today For You Mom, I jotted these lines for a future poem:

Do we write ourselves down
Our cells made of words
These bits like fingerprints
Spread about through time

I’ve absorbed so much from these books, and been encouraged to dig deep when I put words to paper. And, I have gone back to reread other poetry I have on my shelf.

I would be remiss not to mention another poet. The one who encouraged me to share my poetry.

Read Brian G. Phipps, Before the Burning Bush. In it, you’ll find a poem named “Unfinished Business” that I echo in my prayers.

Poetry nourishes the mind in the most valuable ways. Ways that keep you moving forward through good and bad times.

Best of all, you learn you are not the only one to have deep feelings that you need to pour out of your mind.

I’ve made an even better discovery as I started this journey. In the process of exploring poetry, I found that I have some really great friends.

Copyright © 2025 by Jody Crowley. All rights reserved.