"How to Bird-Watch
A Tanka
be very quiet
and amazingly patient
until finally
a shy dove thinks your green shirt
is part of a shady tree
Margarita Engle "
This is the 25th time that Paul Janeczko has sought and selected poetry for one of his remarkable anthologies. I am betting that those contemporary poets he approached to contribute were thrilled to be part of it. Others come from beloved poets of the past, and have stood the test of time. Sadly, Paul passed away in February, ahead of its release. He will be missed by many.
The how-to poems chosen for this book are as brilliant as they are varied. I have read and reread them, and will read them again. Charles Ghigna's contribution is the perfect introduction to the power of poetry and the words that make poems so memorable.
"How To Build a Poem
Let's build a poem
made of rhyme
with words like ladders
we can climb,
with words that like
to take their time,
words that hammer,
words that nail,
words that saw,
words that sail,
words that whisper,
words that wail,
words that open
window door,
words that sing,
words that soar,
words that leave us
wanting more."
Reading it ensures a deep dive into the rest of the book. No reader will be disappointed in all it has to offer. There are instructions meant to be followed on many topics, all familiar to those that will share them. Each entry is very special and will find fans who want to read, remember and share it.
The accompanying illustrations are painted, then digitally edited to add interest and color. These images are heartwarming additions to the poems they represent. Quiet and soothing, they evoke a joyful serenity throughout.
If you are looking for how-to do something, this might be a wonderful place to start. It is sure to encourage young poets, their parents and their teachers to take time to consider a how-to poem of their own. What fun for all!
The final poem is a splendid bookend for Mr. Ghigna's welcome.
"How to Pay Attention
Close this book.
Look.
APRIL HALPRIN WAYLAND"
Splendid!
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