I had to go for a walk

So off I went and found that the new wood in the village has turned into a real one without me noticing. The paths are totally covered over with leafy branches. There are birds and insects flying about. I met some neighbours of course. The 12 big stones still form a circle in the middle for the teenagers to use for late night gatherings.

On the way back a path was so overgrown with nettles and hogweed I had to walk with my arms right up in the air to avoid being stung. That's a familiar sensation from years ago, holidays in Scotland or where ever. I'd forgotten about that.

I still needed more nature, so lay gazing up at my own trees in the back garden while H bicycled around. 'Twas very heaven to be alive... Normally summer means wind and rain, but at the moment that rule is on hold.

Totally engrossed in ModPo

I can't believe it, I am part of a project linked to the University of Pennsylvania. It is an online course on Modern American Poetry. You should see the titles of the discussion threads! Emily Dickinson was the last few days, now we are in Walt Whitman land.

Someone suggested writing poems ourselves in the style of each poet. I couldn't believe I was simply taking blank bamboo paper out of my printer and just writing. I have done 2 in Dickinson's style and 1 in Whitman's style so far. I found myself going out for a nighttime walk in order to prepare for the Whitman one. Very appropriate, all that nature and rain outside our door.

The enthusiasm and openness of the contributors to the threads is so encouraging. I am a very happy person. Please give it a go. The less you know about American literature, history or poetry the better, the more there is to interact with as a fresh mind, taking it all in for the first time.

https://www.coursera.org/