Hi All... I have struggled to write poems lately. Maybe you have times like that also. But recently I began reading A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry by Gregory Orr, and I found his approach so interesting that I have been able to try some of his challenges. So... without further ado... here is my poem... based on a memory of me and my father. It may amuse you to know that I ended up being the shortest of my siblings, just 5'2" in my prime.
Shooting Hoops
I could smell his sweat as we stood
side by side on the driveway
Watch how I stand, he said
The ball swished through the net
I took the same wide-leg stance
heaved the ball and...
it fell short... Try again,
throw harder, let it go just so...
Me with both hands on the pebbly ball
Bend at the waist and swing up
When I made my first basket
sparks lit his eyes... That's it!
We practiced 'til streetlights came on
Mosquitos buzzing in the sultry night
He teaching hoops to his youngest daughter
Me, just a squirt, really trying.
© Karen Eastlund
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