Poemattic: Poetry and Art for the Soul
By Melba Christie
Poemattic: Poetry and Art for the SoulJan 11, 2023
What Poetry Means to Me
Melba Christie quotes various poets and writers and how they define poetry. She reminds us that poetry is life and life is poetry. Poetry should not be celebrated only during the month of April each year but all the time. She also reads two of her poems.
Read a Poem Aloud
Melba Christie stresses the importance of reading a poem aloud. She reads a poem about reading poems aloud and another poem titled "Poetry Curator"
A Day of Remembrance - Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
Melba Christie remembers the first time she and her students celebrated this National Tribute to Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. She recites a poem she wrote for her students to help them remember Dr. King's dream.
My Mother's Philosophy of Life
Melba Christie read a poem dedicated to her late mother who had her own philosophy about life. She was widowed twice and worked very hard to be very independent. She was a strong and very astute woman. She influenced her daughters in so many ways. To her the most important treasure anyone could have is an education.
Remembering My Very Own Architect
This is a poem dedicated to my son who passed over a year ago. He was an architect and loved being one.
On Grief and Grieving
Melba Christie shares her poem on the topic of grief as she has experienced it since the passing of her son. He also refers to a book she has read titled Opening to Grief by Claire B. Willis and Marnie Crawford Samuelson. She shares a poem by Albert Huffstickler titled The Cure. Please contact Melba Christie at melbachristie@poemattic.com if you are interested in sharing your experience with loss and grief. She is completing research for her own book on grieving.
I feel I have to say something before I go mad
The poet warns us that democracy may be near death if we do not stop and say something and so something. What is is but we must follow the truth. We must use our democratic right and use the the power of our vote right now to help save our rights and our democracy. Remember we are all in the same boat. Let it not sink.
A Little Boy Goes
This episode discusses a poem inspired by Viktor E. Frankl's In Man's Search For Meaning. Melba Christie writes this poem thinking about the discussions of the book during a college Psychology class. She also thinks about her very young son and the meaning he will ultimately give life. Thus the title, A Little Boy Goes. She tries to compose a melody for the poem years later and in this recording attempts to add the melody acapella. She poses a few questions at the end for all to ponder. Please post your comments on her blog post melbachristie@poemattic.com. They will be truly appreciated.
My Tree - Mi Arbol
The power and energy of tree. The author describes how the tree helps to calm and energize the soul when one is sad or lonely. Photo by Pixabay.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud written by William Wordsworth. Read by Melba Christie.
Daffodils are a favorite flower. I believe that they bloom simply to make people stop and smile. I watch them carefully and listen to their whispers of joy and bliss. The last time my son visited us he took pictures of a pot of daffodils I had on our deck. He had not realized they were not natural flowers. I watched him as he took pictures from different angles, savoring every minute. I laughed and told him they were fake. He laughed too, feeling a suppose a little foolish. Then I pointed to a bed of natural daffodils in our garden. He said, "These still look pretty natural to me." There lies the powerful message of even a fake daffodil.
Two Poems: Destiny and Needing to Connect
This episode includes two poems. Destiny and Needing to Connect. The poet explores the question if indeed we each has a destiny.
Destiny is fickle sometimes or is it? Do you believe that each of us has a unique destiny. I would love to know what you think.
Remembering a grandparent on Grandparents Day.
Melba Christie reads her poem In Remembrance of My Grandmother. She also acknowledges the remembrance of the victims of 911, a day we shouldnever forget. God bless America.
La Vida es Poesia
This poem describes how life is poetry. Poetry is life. It is in everything you see and do.
This podcast highlights Grandparenting.
Poems written for the poet's grandchildren.
My Mother's French Provincial Chair
The poem is about the sweet memory of an old chair. I am sure everyone has a favorite chair or the memory of someone else sitting at a comfy old chair. Do you have a favorite chair?
Esperanza
I want to dedicate this poem to my friend who recently lost her sister. Her name is Esperanza which means hope. One should never lose hope. Hope is all we have to hang to when things are tough. The second poem is about knowing whether or not you think you might me a poet. I call myself a poet with deep humility. I started thinking about what a poet should feel or do. Once again, my poem does not have a title yet. Please leave a comment. I appreciate all the comments I have received so far regarding my previous posts.
Life Must Be Lived With Passion
I so want to start living life without fear. I want to learn to live life with passion again.
What resonates today.
Sometimes my poems are reactions to articles I read. Many of the poems I read have been put away and have never been read aloud. It is only recently that I have conjured up the nerve to read them aloud. The Girl No One Knew is based on a true event. As an educator it saddened me. I wanted this little girl to finally be recognized for her courage. Many of many poems are untitled and this one remains without a name. This poem is what resonates today. I hope you enjoy the poems. Don't forget to please leave a comment.
Remembering My Dad
Have You Looked in The Mirror Lately?
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://melbachristieatpoemattic.com/2022/03/26/have-you-looked-in-the-mirror-lately/
This episode asks questions and the speaker simply wonders what is happening to our humanity. Please leave your comments.