Under consideration…. asm
Will restore after it is published.
Andrew Shattuck McBride
NaPoWriMo
April 30, 2012
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Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 
I didn’t use a prompt for this poem. In a way, it flows from my work this month. Linda Papanicolaou in her haiku writing prompts refers to “catsup day” or “catch-up day” as a day to finish other, unfinished work. I’ve been influenced by many of her comments on the Facebook NaHaiWriMo page.
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=321137061284715
Linda’s comment about “catsup day” is near the end of the comment thread. By the way, even though NaHaiWriMo ended on February 29th, many members of the FB community are steadfast in continuing to write a haiku a day! May’s prompter is Sheila Windsor.
Blessings to all, Andy
This is so very touching, Andrew… I like the silence that runs through the whole piece.
Thank you Laurie!
Best wishes, Andy
So, so lovely and suffused with sadness. Those recurring silences Laurie points out accumulate even more meaning for what *is* said, especially “the word[s]” that are most important. The poem’s images of restraint and bearing-up in the wake of both your losses makes the “triumph” of survival very powerful.
So, for the ending of your chapbook, maybe “Cobalt Blue Harvest,” followed by its final stanza as a separate poem, as you mentioned; and then this one as a sort of coda? Or are you on a roll and will just keep going with these gorgeous and heart-wrenching poems?
Jennifer, thank you so much.
Suffused with sadness… and silences, some deep. L.C.’s losses are more significant than my loss. I’m not sure, but I’m wondering if linking her losses with my loss is a conceit of mine? I was seeking connection with L.C.
Curious, that the fact I found the tiny piece of cobalt blue beach glass (true story) led me to the larger work “Cobalt Blue Harvest”!
Your questions are excellent. I don’t know! I’ve started thinking of “Museum of a Lost Family” as an organizing principle. I have a lot of material: maybe enough for 1-2 chapbooks and a collection.
I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments! My month ended with “Cobalt Blue Harvest” and “Beachcombing.” These poems do seem to be culminating pieces. Besides the FOUR cobalt blue-related pieces from April, I have two others I’ve written. (Mom actually read my first one before she died.) Anyway, I’m a bit wrung out now!
By chance, did you read Maureen Thorson’s prompt using Joe Brainerd’s “I remember” statements? She posted late last month. I find it very intriguing.
Blessings, and thanks again, Andy
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