The other day I received an autographed copy of Lee Pennington‘s latest offering to the literary world. Aside from being a past Poet Laureate of Kentucky, retired college professor and film maker, he is a two-time nominee for the Pulitzer in LIterature, and rightfully so.
Pretty much every morning I rise early, and before time to walk my dog, Brody (about sunrise), I read to get my mind fresh for the day. Though I have been into a novel by a best-selling author, when I got Lee’s book, Appalachian Newground, a combination of arresting short stories and crisp poetry based on his youth in rural Kentucky, illustrated with remarkable drawings by world renowned artist, and mate of Lee’s, Jill Baker, I couldn’t help replacing the novel with Lee’s book, which is much better written than that of the best-selling novelist. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the charming past and is into nostalgic, well-thought out writing. I’m also looking forward to getting one of a few remaining sets of Jill’s prints from the book.
Lee’s work is so out-of-the-ordinary that it inspired me. Rhonda and I have been beset by some tough circumstances of late, and I needed some inspiration. I’m certainly no Lee Pennington, buy my inspiration led me to pen the following poem.
Imagination’s Window
It’s a sticky wicket, Such a slippery slope; A stodgy old curmudgeon Digesting his own jokes.
Imagination’s window Seems to crack a smile, Then deafening silent darkness Blinds the brightest minds.
As I tossed my thoughts together They struck a pitchy chord And I watched a silver granny Her rusting trinkets hoard.
Tomorrow looked at Yesterday, And shook hands with Today; Then imagination’s window Had nothing more to say.
4-16,17-2016