Laurie Klein reads her poem “Everything Begins in Water” by
Editor’s Note: “Poems to Listen By” is an audio series where over time we will explore some of the themes in the Poet Laura checklist. “Poems to Listen By” is patron-only content. We are delighted to bring you this first episode of “Buoyancies” as a gift to introduce you to the beautiful work of Laurie Klein. To become a patron and gain access to future (and past) episodes, learn more here.
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Poems to Listen By: Buoyancies—Casting Off
Presented by Laurie Klein
Welcome to “Buoyancies,” our latest series for “Poems to Listen By.” I’m your host, Laurie Klein.
I grew up in a very old, quasi-magical house beside a small lake, dredged from a marsh. Imagine the scent of lake weed, algae, and water lilies, laced with the silty, ripening tang of decaying creatures—life holding hands with death. Oh those gauzy veils of airborne, summer perfume.
Over the next few months I’ll read you poems about that home, recently published in my new collection House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life. It’s all about secrets and shelter, and rising above trauma and the emotions that swamp us.
Despite the shadows, dawn always returns. “How beautiful, how buoyant, and glad is morning.”
Poet Letitia Elizabeth Landon said that. And we recognize that outlook, don’t we, even though it’s sometimes undercut by something more ominous.
Everything Begins in Water
Take one catawampus pier, going gray,
and several small boats thudding
against the bumper tires: now imagine
the slosh, the sinewy groan of hemp
fed through and around
the boat cleats. Wind uncovers
a pang of silt. Even blind, I could
clamber aboard. It’s that real. They say
mooring lines should float . . .
Did they? I don’t recall.
But fore and aft, it falls to me now
to cast off. Recoil the ropes. And,
God as my anchor and bench mate,
facing the dam to the west I pledge
all freight will be fairly borne. Only,
look past this leaky hull
and the ghosting corrosion that clouds
the finish. Beyond this shore,
out where the light cascades
sheer and true,
good Uncle Dunkel taught me
to row. What more can be asked
of the long ago—save this:
how to remain buoyant?
—Laurie Klein
English actor Malcolm McDowell once said, “I’m not quite as buoyant as I was in my youth.”
To which I reply—and I hope you’ll join me—“But perhaps, I still could be.”
What would lift your spirits today? Will you partake?
You’ve just heard “Everything Begins in Water” from House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life by Laurie Klein. Thanks for briefly immersing with me!
Photo by Mike Beales, Creative Commons license via Flickr. Poem from House of 49 Doors: Entries in a Life by Laurie Klein. Used by permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers, www.wipfandstock.com. Many thanks to Bill Klein for his performance of “Simple Gifts” as well as engineering (and cheering me on).
- Poems to Listen By: Yondering—1: H. G. Who? - October 9, 2024
- Poems to Listen By: Buoyancies—7: The Survivor Rises - August 28, 2024
- Poems to Listen By: Buoyancies—6: Trust - July 3, 2024
Carol says
Laurie, your chosen words bring the memories to life. Love you. ♥️♥️♥️
Laurie Klein says
Oh, I’m so GLAD to read your words. What times we had! And still have . . .
Thanks for listening and reading along. Love you to Venus and back, beautiful sister!
Bethany Rohde says
Love hearing you read this poem, Laurie. There’s so much there on the page and in your inflection. Each image a pleasure. This one is a comfort to me. I can hear it.
“small boats thudding
against the bumper tires”
And then, that ending.
“What more can be asked
of the long ago—save this:
how to remain buoyant?”
Excellent question. Glad I’m in good company scoping out possibilities.
“…perhaps, I still could be.” <3
As far as what might lift my spirits today, I'm off to a pleasant start with your post and watering the the primroses. Got my cream earthenware mug full of coffee, oat milk, and a touch of strawberry.
As for heavy matters, I see them, but I'm going to get a little air by playing with painted papers and collaging poetry. Then maybe I'll have the energy to problem-solve or brainstorm about more difficult things. I really feel like making (and sharing) found poetry and their layouts is such an aggressive de-stresser for me.
Wishing you and the TSP community a peaceful weekend.
Laurie Klein says
Dear Bethany,
I’m picturing you among your primroses, sipping summery coffee, your paints and papers awaiting your touch and keen eye. May the echo of boats and these buoyant beginnings you describe carry you forward all weekend—amid moments of play as well as problem-solving . . .
Thanks so much listening as well as ushering me into your space! <3
Bethany says
Thank you, Laurie! Hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day weekend. It’s sunny on this side of the Cascades. Hope you find some lovely views on your side. 🙂