Sometimes we wonder if the young have anything to teach us. Megan Willome says yes, as she used fourteen-year-old Sara’s poem for sonnet-inspiration. To me, this is the vibrance of true community: We understand that learning could come through any door, any member, regardless of position, age, or status.
Here’s Megan’s beautiful sonnet, which I chose to feature for our Random Acts of Poetry follow up. I picked it not just for its construction and power, but also for Megan’s willingness to receive inspiration from a teenager’s poem.
AT THE POST-FUNERAL RECEPTION
What, may I ask, is the matter with you?
It’s been a year and half a year more
and still you haunt us. You sneak into
people’s funerals, step across the floor.
We all hear you, you know. You’re not that sly,
cutting your way through this grieving crowd.
We know you want to be here, to say Hi
in a voice beyond the grave, oh so loud.
So, welcome. So, come and sit down with me.
Have a lemon bar and a Toll House
marble square. I’m sure someone will make tea.
Tell me about your afterlife, how you’ve found
Heaven. Is it all you hoped it would be?
When can I come? Would you show me around?
All Random Acts of Poetry Participants
Sara’s The Narrator
Sandra’s Walking Wooden
Violet’s Where I’m From
Diana’s From There to Here
Glynn’s What We See in Childhood
Monica’s Concrete to Thimbleberries
Nicole’s My History
Michelle’s History
Connie’s Fantasy’s Cloak
Maureen’s How You Look Back
Megan’s At the Post-Funeral Reception
Featured photo by Ann Kroeker. Thanks to all participants in the PhotoPlay/Random Acts of Poetry Celebration, as well as Claire Burge for collaborating. To see the PhotoPlay entries, visit The High Calling.
- Poetry Prompt: In the Wild Secret Place - January 6, 2025
- Journeys: What We Hold in Common - November 4, 2024
- Poetry Prompt: My Poem is an Oasis - August 26, 2024
nancemarie says
unique and expressive poem.