The thought that life is a celebration becomes the manifest for a life well lived. A joy, an event, a real party… such is life. And from the day we’re brought into this life we realize this fact. The party’s started. This is the chapbook-memoir of Connie L. Peters. Step in and have a grand time. The party’s started!
Category Archives: Memoir Project
CONTEMPLATING WAVES OF EXPERIENCE: A Short Memoir in Poetry by Claudette J. Young
And then life throws us the high hanging curve ball. And no matter how hard we swing for the fences, sometimes we strike out. Our successes come in the ebb and flow of our desire and heart. Much like the waves of the oceans, our shared experiences flow from us, broadcasting to all shores.
This is the fourth installment of the Memoir-Chapbook Project describes the contemplations in a truly heart-felt way! It can be found under the tab above, Memoir Project Chapbooks and the link below.
CONTEMPLATING WAVES OF EXPERIENCE: A Short Memoir in Poetry by Claudette J. Young
***
The next group of poet authors are listed in order below:
Connie Peters (Mar. 11)
Barbara Young (Mar. 25)
Laurie Kolp (Apr. 8)
Sharon E. Ingraham (Apr. 22)
The prompts are still open and available in the archive (Search). There is still time to complete your memoirs for inclusion in the project. They will continue to be featured in the order they are received in e-mail.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS – PROMPT #85
Today we stand at week 20 of our Memoir Project. It has been a long and creative haul — full of emotion and humor, tenderness, heartbreak and everything in between. Marie and I are so blessed to have you all as a part of this wonderful poetic partnership, and feel closer because of it. We are not finished here at POETIC BLOOMINGS, not by a long shot. Only a parting shot!
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 20: Famous Last Words – And now lastly, do you have a favorite phrase or saying that you use with great regularity? Use it as your title and explain/write about it. Maybe something your parents always said to stir your independence or to support your efforts? If you don’t have one, write an “In My Own Defense” poem about anything you wish to clarify about your life.
MARIE ELENA’S CLOSER:
GIVERS AND TAKERS
Be watchful of the takers in your life - Not every soul a giving heart retains. The takers sap our joy and trigger strife. My adage, this: it’s she who gives, who gains.© Copyright – Marie Elena Good – 2012
My Aunt Peg (my Godmother) taught me that there are two kinds of people in this world: Givers and Takers. She taught me to recognize the Takers, and not get sucked in. It has always stuck with me.
WALT’S LAST STAND:
YOLO
Too many years wasted
tasting the bitter brew of defeat.
Sadly, my only foe was inside my head.
I should have stood and fought instead,
because I’ve found I have a lot to say,
and in my poems have found a way
to express what my heart held fast.
And at last the world will know
as my confidence grows, I can finally
show what my muse is made of.
Take your shot, you only live once!
© Copyright – Walter J. Wojtanik 2012
“COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA” – PROMPT #84
We’re nearing the end of our project. After this week, we will offer our final words on the subject – us. Are you pleased with your offerings? Do you regret divulging certain parts of yourself? Or do we live without regret? Do we allow ourselves that little spark of wonder to imagine where we’d be if certain things had fallen in place differently? A “George Bailey” moment, thinking if I wasn’t who I’ve become, how would other peoples lives be changed?
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 19: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda… – Is there something you wish you would have done differently? Write about a missed opportunity, an idea of yours that never came to fruition, or one that did…for someone else. Take a mulligan and make it write!
MARIE ELENA’S SHOULDA
One Mother’s Lament (Haibun)
Being an admirer of those who glance back yet don’t bemoan, I aspire to do the same. However, this is difficult (read “impossible”) as a mother. I’m thankful for the relationship I have with my now-grown children. There is much love and respect, and mutual enjoyment – and always has been. Yet I think of their junior high and high school years with pangs of remorse for what could have been. Activities, rehearsals, competitions, plays, football games, concerts, time with their friends – much to hamper family dinners at the kitchen table.
Fast food drive-through runs
Offer little nourishment
For heart and spirit
© Copyright – Marie Elena Good – 2012
WALT’S REGRET:
“COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA”
I could have been a contender,
but my end justifies the means, doesn’t it?
I mustn’t regret this life, so imperfect
and strife laden. It has been a haven
for many good things. It has given me
family and friends; supportive and cherished
and on the day I perish, I will be rich with love.
I could live it all over again.
I would have done things slightly different
and sent my poetic prowess to work sooner.
It had sat latent and silent and I was hell bent
on being something else. A musician was the dream,
but I seem to have the dexterity, but not the desire.
So making words sing has been the next best thing.
My “audience” plays along in chorus and between us, we do sing.
I would love to have had befriended them earlier in life.
I should have been a better person than I had been.
It was a sin that I always looked at horizons that sat
in the solitary distance, when the things that were
right before my eyes were never quite embraced.
I directed my time and energy to the me nobody knew,
and it’s true, I barely knew myself. I should have not
wasted rhyme and time on reasons that still perplex
and I should not be vexed by them now.
But, I am having a wonderful time so far.
I look forward to the beauty of many more days,
with no regret. In that regard, I am set for life.
© Copyright – Walter J. Wojtanik 2012
SIBLING REVELRY – PROMPT #83
Our mothers and fathers have had their say. And now we check in with the rest of the Peanut Gallery. Families come in all configurations and sizes, and their influence is no less important to our development.
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 18: Sibling Revelry – Write about one (or all) of your siblings. If you were an only child, was there a cousin who filled that gap? If not, write about your feelings about being the “one and only.”
MARIE ELENA’S SISTER
With my big sister, Peg
(*Sijo)
Perhaps an only child would once have preferred to remain so.
Perhaps she grapples still in deep or shallow recesses,
Never quite comfortable journeying in sister shoes.
Yet as she treks time’s encounters, does she open her eyes to see
Herself reflected in those of her sister’s affection,
And perchance recognize how deeply loved and valued she is.
© Copyright – Marie Elena Good – 2012
*The photo messes with the form, but it’s staying. I love it. 
P.S. My sister has embarked on a journey late in life that has ordained her as a minister. She just received a new pastoral position at a UCC church in Owosso, Michigan. Personally, I can’t envision myself being as unselfishly giving of my time as is required of the pastor of a church. I’m so very proud of her for this.
WALT’S COHORTS:
More than five times have I been blessed,
from my vantage point, the middle man.
Two sisters and four brothers
all offspring of the same mother,
all with their quirks and styles,
(everyone with Dad’s smile) and
a completely separate branch on the family tree,
foliage gone, but the rings around the trunk
assure a longevity; a brevity in the span
of this vast universe so created, and elated
that we have come to reconnect at a time
when the incredible shrinking surname
wanes towards obscurity. A factual surety
that frames this portrait with love and understanding
no longer demanding and pompous, an enormous relief
in the belief that in assuming the mantle left behind
we will find our footing and map out new ground,
profound in the knowledge of our origin and happy
we were afforded the opportunity to flex our wile,
while never straying far from our connection.
Joseph, your history is our mystery. Not around long enough
to make a blemish, although leaving your mark on our fabric.
Cynthia, queen mother so assumed, groomed for the position
of matriarch with enough of a spark to be yourself.
Paul, sure and independent, most reticent to belong,’
too strong for your own good, a marvel with wood.
Tim, wild and free, determined to take life by the throat
and squeeze every ounce out of its living.
Ken, backbone in question, but heart always in place,
a face only a mother could love, (and she could have been jiving!)
Laurie, a singular soul, her only attachments are her siblings
and her felines, straddling the fine line of “Crazy Cat Lady”.
Where does that leave me? The word guy, know-it-all,
writing the script that skirts dysfunction for the joy our bond provides.
You have that right, Brother!
© Copyright – Walter J. Wojtanik 2010
THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF MY LIFE – PROMPT #82
Everything around us has an affect on how we live our lives. People, places and things have been explored in one detail or another. Even events have their influence. World events were touched upon, but now is the time to relay a personal event.
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 17: The Most Important Day of My Life – We addressed how a world event had made an impact on your life. Now, this one is self-explanatory. What was your personal happenstance that made an impact?
MARIE ELENA’S EVENT:
RESTORED (for my Keith [Naani form])
the moment your eyes verbalized
authentic love
and my heart learned to be fluent
in trust
WALT’S EVENT:
AISLE FOR TWO
Two in white, right where
we thought we would be.
Down the runway on a sunny day
in April full of promise and hope.
Before family and friends to send
us into the future, a bit unsure
but willing to find our way.
All on that sunny April day.
JUST WAIT UNTIL YOUR FATHER GETS HOME – PROMPT #81
A few weeks back, we wrote about our mothers’ influence on our lives. This became a bitter-sweet exercise. So with the potential of opening another can of worms, we ask you to write about your other parental unit and give Dad his due (or comeuppance). And be prepared for my emotional surprise.
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 16: Just Wait Until Your Father Gets Home – Now, write something about your father and your relationship with him!
MARIE ELENA’S FATHER: When He’s Gone His grandchildren refuse to think of life In every way imaginable I refuse to think of life without him as well. He has cheated life “God must have more for me to do.” Yes, Dad. How right you are - And when he’s gone, he’ll live on.
Without their Grandpop.
He has been there for them
In all the ways
That make a difference in one’s life.
He has been there for me
In all the ways that make a man
Both a father and a dad.
three times.
Perhaps hundreds more.
More love to give
More guidance to offer
More music to make
More prayers to pray.
Copyright © – Marie Elena Good – 2012
(This is a revised poem. The original was written in response to Sally Jadlow’s “When He is Gone” prompt for Day 9 of Robert Lee Brewer’s November Chapbook Challenge.)
WALT’S DAD:
HELLO?
Walter Edwin Wojtanik
1927-2006
I heard the words in your voice,
and I am frozen in my seat.
Six years have passed since the sound
of you has graced and comforted,
in a simple greeting you have trumpeted
a fanfare that touched my soul and I can’t
control the tears and emotion.
I never would have thought you would
have that effect on me this long after passing.
It will be a lasting memory held dear.
It was as if you were still here.
Copyright © – Walter J. Wojtanik – 2012
*** I initially had chosen a piece that was featured in my chapbook WOOD. It is one of my favorite poems about my Father. I had hoped to revive it here. Dad had passed in Dec. 2006.
However, yesterday I had unearthed a box of mementos from Dad’s house from when we cleaned it out before selling it. Among various kitchen gadgets and recipe books, was his wall phone/answering machine. I plugged in the charger to see if it still worked. Wiping the dust from the phone I inadvertently brushed the “message” button. I heard, “Hello. I am unable to come to the phone. Sorry I missed you. Leave a message and I’ll talk to you soon.” Crisp. Clear. In my Father’s voice. I played it and listened to it nearly a hundred times . It was wonderful to hear him again. He sounded so good. I’ve come to grips with the emotion and have found peace. As always, his timing was impeccable. Just in time for my “Father” poem.
THE BIG EVENT – PROMPT #80
Our project revolves around our little corners of the world. But it’s time to broaden our horizon. Events of global importance may have had an influence on us. Can you think of one?
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 15: The Big Event – What one event in your lifetime had a profound effect on your life? It could be a world event, or a local happenstance. Where were you when Kennedy, Dr. King, or John Lennon got shot? When the World Trade Towers fell? Man on the Moon? Tell about something that changed the way you viewed the world and how did it change yours.
MARIE ELENA’S MOMENT:
September 22, 1963
five-year-old eyes watch
as little boy salutes
daddy’s coffin
Copyright © – Marie Elena Good – 2012
WALT’S WONDER:
ONE SUNDAY NIGHT IN FEBRUARY
I had just turned eight
and I never knew music could touch me
in the way this sound had.
They came as four lads; hair and guitars
and stars before their fame
became apparent. Across the pond
they traveled and young girls
would unravel in shrieks and screams
and have wild dreams at the sight.
One Sunday night in February
there was nary a report of disturbance
or crime; ahead of their time and my
life had been altered. Walter would never be the same.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
Copyright © – Walter J. Wojtanik 2012
HANGING OUT – PROMPT #79
We have celebrated people and things that have helped mold us. Now, where were the places you went to get away from or hang out with your friends.
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 14: Hanging Out – Tell us about a place where you spent a lot of your free time growing up (or as a grown-up). Even if it was in your own room, what did you do? Where did you socialize (pre-facebook, of course!). Where was your ultimate sanctuary?
MARIE ELENA’S HANGOUT(S):
Anywhere with Cousins
Whoever’s house,
Whichever park,
Whoever’s porch,
Whichever street,
Whoever’s room,
Whoever’s yard
Whatever rink
Whichever pool
Whatever field
Whatever pond
Whatever creek
Whichever place
Where we could be
All together – family.
(To Patti, Punk, Susie, Carrie, Connie, Shan, Dick, Bobbie, Mary, Jimmy, Barbara, Ray, Jim, Judi, Tom, Lisa, and Chris – with more love and gratefulness than my heart can contain.)
Copyright © – Marie Elena Good – 2012
WALT’S HIDEAWAY:
ROAT ACRES
A happy little hamlet hidden,
on the Lake Erie shore.
A cottage fully furnished
and burnished by the misted surf.
My friend’s turf, (his name was “Murph”).
It was Murph’s Turf! Summers were spent
rent free, the only “fee” was the upkeep.
We used to sleep until nine
and unwind on the sand until
time demanded we get busy.
Whirlwind waves made you dizzy
if you watched them for long.
The best song was their crash against
the break wall. But best of all,
it was a haven for the unshaven.
Because, when things move that slow,
you’re apt to let yourself go!
Copyright © – Walter J. Wojtanik 2012
MAMMA MIA! – PROMPT #78
Finally, we come to write of specific people in our lives who had more influence than most. Who else had more influence on this existence than the women who carried, nurtured and bore us. We give the first nod to our mothers in this week’s poetic prompt. (This should give a clue as to two other upcoming prompts.)
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life? – POETIC BLOOMINGS MEMOIR PROJECT
Part 13: Mamma Mia – In verse and song, our Mothers have been extolled. Be it in the simple hug and “I Love You, Mom,” to the burly football player’s television acknowledgment (Hi Mom!), we’ve always found a way to return the love so given from birth and throughout our lives. For this prompt, write something about your mother and your relationship with her.
MARIE ELENA’S MOTHER
Marie Elena’s Mom
MOM
When I was a baby, my mother was my world.
No one else could feed me,
change me,
hold me,
rock me –
No one else would do.
As a young girl, my world expanded.
Yet, I missed her terribly if we were apart
For even short periods.
As a high school girl, I appreciated
And respected
My stay-at-home mother.
Her grandchildren love her above all.
Her nieces and nephews value her presence.
My father tells me that as a mother,
I remind him of Mom.
I’ve tucked that notion deep in my heart
For safekeeping,
Retrieving it for reassurance
Whenever I doubt myself.
I want her to know – to tell her how much she is loved –
But my brain lacks the words
My heart possesses.
Copyright © – Marie Elena Good – 2012
WALT’S MOM:
GOODNIGHT IRENE
Irene Marion Wojtanik, 1930-1986
You never slept,
always waiting, crocheting,
swilling to excess on coffee,
and searching for a few more puffs
to satisfy your nicotine craving.
Always saving everything
for everyone else, and denying
what you needed; your love exceeded
all expectations, and these revelations
were late in coming. Summing you up
was always hard, for with every flower,
or hug, or card we made for you,
your love stayed true. You played games
with me, wee hours and round after round,
I found your acumen at Yahtzee! ® or Scrabble ®
would have me unraveled when morning came.
But all the same, I am no one without your
tender heart and re-assuring hand.
I stand here today because of all you gave me!
You had truly saved me. You were gone too soon!
For Irene Marion (Kura) Wojtanik, 1930-1986
Copyright © – Walter J. Wojtanik – 2012
