Poetry Night at the Writing Life, 26 October 2024

Two different approaches to a subject

After several weeks of preparation and anticipation, my wife and I moved into a new home this weekend. We’ve had to do a lot of moving between ourselves and our children for the last few years, so we are hopefully we have finished with our moves, at least, for a long while to come.

In the new home, I’ve lucked into possibly the best writing space I’ve yet had in a home, and I’ve had a few good ones. This one’s tucked into one corner of the basement and there’s a lot of good potential for the space.

My poetry for tonight¹ is centered around this new space. I decided to try something different tonight - one subject but two different metaphors to describe the same thing. Let’s see how it works.

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Writing Cave

26 October 2024, Fort Madison, Iowa

Satisfaction at having a cave

That’s a cozy warm haven

Than a grimy, wet hole in the ground.

Sheets of rain nowhere seen

Floors dry stone or fresh rushes

Rather than gluey mud.

The hearth warms you with glowing coals

As the smoke drifts up an upper passage to the covered outside.

It and a candle or two are all you need for the work.

Sitting in your comfy seat

Wrapped in blankets to ward off the cold

You’re ready for the inspiration to start.