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National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996. For the rest of April, each day we will publish a poem: your favorite poem--one of your own or one by a published author.
Send your poem to janeEstahl@comcast.net with a sentence or two about yourself as the author or why the poem is among your favorites. And stay tuned for announcements of local poetry readings in the area that you may wish to attend to celebrate the integral role poets play in our culture.
Sing - However You Will
~ J D Shirk © 2/25
Let the world hear your song
Whatever you would sing
If it's from a heavy heart
That your music sings despair
Then sing the quietest whispered notes
That carry on the winds in time
To those who live close to your soul
Or if a song finds you
That seems to come from deep
Within, and rings with harmonies,
Of words unspoken, unrehearsed
A rediscovered love of life
Then let the notes rush out
Tumbling, each one over another
While your smile lights up the room
Sing like the river's rush
Along the stony points
A wordless burst of early praiseA birdsong in the dawn!
The blazing notes of sunrise
That only silence hears
I promise if we're near enough
To hear, and you are willing,
We would love to sing along!
"I spent a lot of time on the road and understand loneliness. I wrote this in a response to conversations with folks who were feeling emotionally isolated." ~Joe
J D Shirk Grew up close to the land in an Old Order Mennonite family, his appreciation for nature and his attunement to the spiritual began there. He experiences life in various roles, as a truck driver, father, business owner, backpacker, musician, and follows a Quaker path of understanding the world. His journey into poetry began many years ago and has become a more focused outlet for creativity over the last fifteen years. Encouraged by an elderly friend, also a poet, he has self published two books at this time: Down Random Roads and Walk Along With Me? - both available on Amazon. A deep respect and love of nature and a desire to understand the human condition in all its successes, failures, joys, and sorrows, influences his poetry, with an occasional burst of humor about everyday events.
More News from Boyertown
- Allison Kelly Urges Appreciation of Ivy in All Seasons Oft overlooked, English ivy provides color and its enduring presence year round for those who look.
- Sponsors Sought for State Theatre's Kid's Summer Movies Program Sponsor a summer movie at the State Theatre to provide families with an affordable and magical cinematic experience during the summer months.
