"The Kora"

The Kora

Twenty one strings set me spinning,
not so much dancing as joyously traversing
a melodious harmony.

My hips embrace a rhythm foreign,
my smile soars into the clouds,
floats back to me - younger, happier, more carefree.

I dip my finger into the pond,
strum lightly its still surface,
wake it up.  Realize life can be simple -

it all depends upon the tune I hum.

by Margaret Bednar, January 3, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Music with Marian".  Our inspiration today is listen to two of Africa's most distinguished musicians, the late guitarist Ali Farka Toure and kora player Toumani Diabate and write a poem…

I alway love a bass (my son plays upright and guitar) as well as guitar (he plays that as well) but I was rather intrigued by the kora - a 21 string bridge-harp.  The sound makes me happy.

"Believe"

This is not "Wolf Moon" but I will be out on January 16, 2014 hoping to capture it.

Believe

Wolf Moon witnesses a hunger,
casts a silver spell,
promises time is comprised
of many sunrises, sunsets -

encourages me to howl and listen
as the echoes gather strength, swirl -
questions whether I'll finally dig deep,
stake a claim, believe in myself.

by Margaret Bednar, January 2, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Kerry's Challenge - Resolutions".  My resolution is to  embrace and nurture creativity more thoroughly - to explore the gifts my kids say I have.  To take art classes, to not be shy about calling myself a poet - something that actually makes me blush and cover my kids mouths when they say I am in public.   My husband mentioned in the family 2013 Christmas letter that I enjoyed writing poetry… and I made him cross it out (didn't want people to laugh at me).

I hereby resolve to believe in myself more, to embrace my gifts… (that was hard to even write!)   Why is it SO easy for me to tell my kids this, but not heed my own words?

Happy New Year everyone.