This evening I had the privilege of being part of a poetry reading at the Takoma Park Community Center -- one of four featured poets, I was the "mathematical" one and read several poems that involved counting -- counting in their subject matter or in their structural design. Here is a villanelle that I composed for the occasion.
A Baker’s Dozen by JoAnne Growney
Counting likes to start with number one.
A luscious mate to pair with one makes two –-
and three can be a triangle of fun.
Four enumerates my daughters and my sons.
I have five fingers on the hand I give to you.
Counting likes to start with number one.
With six the perfect numbers are begun.
Seven names a rest-day, breaks the queue --
and three can be a triangle of fun.
I sometimes call on eight to make a pun.
Nine numbers lives I hope will see me through.
Counting likes to start with number one.
When ten years pass, another decade’s done.
Eleven’s the hour I hope for my rescue --
and three can be a triangle of fun.
Twelve counts a dozen -- eggs or hot-dog buns.
Thirteen offers luck that some eschew.
Counting likes to start with number one
and three can be a triangle of fun.
Special thanks to my Eastern Village neighbors -- Ann and Denny and Barbara and Debbie who offered dining before the reading and, in addition to these, Joan and Ed and Elizabeth and Glenn and Dede and Tom -- who attended the reading and cheered me on. You are great!
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The reading was, in the true sense of the word, charming. Much enjoyed. - Ed Shacklee
ReplyDeleteAppreciative listeners are a poet's dream. Thanks for being there..
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