Four Poems

The first poem that caught my attention after listening and reading it was Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove, written by American poet Rita Dove. It is about Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel's, who was the first African-American to win an Academy Award back in 1940, and what might have gone through her mind as she arrives at the Coconut Grove. There is a lot of reflection about her past, how far she had come to get to where she was at that time (there weren't really any acting roles available to African-Americans back in those days) and the aftermath of her success. I liked because it served as a history lesson and I really admired Hattie's spirit as portrayed through Rita Dove's words.

The second poem I liked was called A Blade of Grass by British Poet Brian Patten. I enjoyed reading this because it shows how the intended recipient of the blade of grass fails to grasp the poetic meaning behind being offered a simple blade of grass. It becomes more difficult to offer simplicity and as we grow older and it becomes more difficult to accept simplicity. Also I like this poem because it would go beautifully with the painting by Albrecht Durer that I love so much.

The third poem that caught my eye was written by Jamaican poet Valarie Bloom titled: Granny Is. I liked listening to Bloom read it because I love her Caribbean accent and some of the words which describe things native to the island of Jamaica. Plus who doesn't love a warm hearted poem ode to their grandma? I always had a very close relationship with mine and my children also have a close relationship with their grandma. "Only de best fe de gran' children." That has been my own mother's motto since I brought each one of her grand-babies home from the hospital.

The final poem I enjoyed reading was called Hair-Raiser by British poet Judith Nicholls. This poem is HILARIOUS to listen to. My daughter Rachel and I got quite a kick out of it! In fact at the dinner table she did a little improv of the poem on my husband who wasn't too amused especially since 1. He wasn't aware of what we planned, and 2. The last paragraph of the poem concerning hair loss was quite a sensitive subject for him LOL!!! But none the less we still had fun with it ;)