Elegy Update

I heard back form my professor about the pet elegy I wrote in response to his challenge that no one has ever written a good one. I, of course, did not manage to wow him off his feet, but his comments were, for once, not entirely discouraging. He referred to my ending as "Very elegiac," and even though he had suggestions for my freshly drafted poem, I felt them to be helpful, and they had more to do with clarity than an overall message of "make better." Perhaps after heeding some of his advice, I'll offer the poem here, and see what you think?

So Far, So Good!

I've learned my way around Blogspot fairly well since I made my first post. I'm hoping this will be cozy place to hang out for a while.

Writing news:

~~Poetry professor assigned today that we write an elegy 

Elegy: A poem which subtly notes the absence of someone who has passed away in a manner than invokes sorrow without spoon feeding an individual's anguish.

We were told we are permitted to write about someone we know personally, or a historical figure or celebrity, but that we are not permitted to write about a pet. My professor claimed that, in essence, there is no such thing as a good elegy about a pet. There were several students--including me--who challenged that generalization, and he invited us to turn in two if we really wanted to attempt the "feat." I sent him a draft this evening, and am awaiting commentary.

~~Wes McNair, a very valued poet in Maine who once directed the poetry program at UMF, is coming to campus next week to discuss craft and form with six selected students; this list, to my chair-descending astoundment, included me. I've met him before, and heard him read, but I am very excited to work with him in workshop form. ^_^

~~Finally, the artist statement I have to complete for my BFA senior portfolio is very close to being done. I mailed it out to some dear friends for some last tweaks (or what may turn out to be huge tweaks, as editing goes) and whatnot, but once I have it, perhaps I'll display it here. It is coming to resonate with me even more than I expected.

So where are you, all future friends? Here's hoping I meet you all soon. ^_^

Happy Trails,

~Ellen