I want some of that

If you've been reading this blog a while, you may have picked up the odd reference to Tracy Franklin and her book of poems: Angst, Anger, Love, Hope. I discovered some of her stuff on her blog and I think that only later did I find out that she, too, was publishing through JMS Books.

I'm not generally much of an enthusiast for poetry. A lot of poets seem to me to work on the assumption that because really good poetry can be truly sublime, second-rate scribbling will be OK - and it so isn't. But Tracy's stuff has a lot to say and often says it really well. (I've reviewed it on Amazon, so I won't go on about it now.)

I've asked Tracy if she would agree to guest on my blog and she suggested I come up with an on-line interview. I'll put that up here in the next few days. But first I thought I'd like to share one of her poems. She suggested 'I Want Some of That.' She considers it's pretty reflective of a lot of her free verse. It's also one of my favourites.

I hope you enjoy it and you return in a few days to read the interview.

I Want Some of That

I had an invite;
was maybe, probably,
the only one who needed it.
I watched the drinking buddies,
men and women,
couples, singles,
all so easy with each other.

I sipped my beer and knew
I'd never really
be a part of this.
I sipped my beer and knew
I'd never really
want to,
so it was cool.
We were all on friendly terms,
and it was cool.

But I want
some of that.
I want barbecues
that do not feel like work.
I want to feel safe
if I'm a little out of hand.
I want
some of that.
I want some
of that.