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Through bare branches
we get our first glimpse
of the home constructed last spring
The builder found the perfect site
nestled his design into
a pristine landscape
Set it high with expansive views
support columns planted
far below the ground
He did the work himself
gathered natural materials
for a song
His home
built in the round
secure
In the elbow of our tall elm
© by Janet Leahy.
Used with the author's permission.
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Janet's poems have been published in a variety of print and online journals including The Wisconsin Poets' Calendar, Wisconsin People and Ideas, Verse Wisconsin and the anthology, Empty Shoes. She is the author of The Storm, a collection of poems about the Iraq War, and a new book of poems, Not My Mother's Classroom, published in April of 2012. The poems in her new collection are drawn from her experiences as a teacher in Milwaukee public schools. Janet lives in New Berlin, Wisconsin and serves on the board of The Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. She enjoys gardening, though the deer assume she has planted her garden for them. Her sweet pea vine comes from ancestral roots.
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lisa honecker:
good poem for those of us in New Jersey. L Honecker
Posted 11/10/2012 12:26 PM
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Maryann Hurtt:
Home, sweet home....thanks Janet!
Posted 11/03/2012 05:20 AM
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Jo:
wonderful metaphor Janet. The ending surprised me. Thanks for another good poem.
Posted 11/02/2012 05:47 PM
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Marilyn L Taylor:
How terrific, Janet. Makes me eager for spring, even though it's only November. . .
Posted 11/02/2012 03:25 PM
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transitions:
Just lovely Janet; I enjoyed it. Judy
Posted 11/02/2012 12:04 PM
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pwax:
Beautifully realized metaphor, from beginning (actually from title) to end.Phyllis
Posted 11/02/2012 10:50 AM
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Stephen Anderson:
A treat of a poem, Janet!
Posted 11/02/2012 10:09 AM
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Tony G:
Wonderful poem!
Posted 11/02/2012 10:00 AM
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paula:
Thoughtful, kind--as always!
Posted 11/02/2012 08:57 AM
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CamilleBalla:
Nice and cleverly written poem! I had to stay with it for a while to get it, but what a surprise! Thank you.
Posted 11/02/2012 08:34 AM
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ed werstein:
Great work as usual, Janet. A fine poem.
Posted 11/02/2012 08:32 AM
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tiddles:
It's hard to see so many of them leave for "snowbird" condos in the south, but knowing they'll be back to resume residency in old nests and new brings hope. Thanks, Janet. Enjoyed this poem. Marilyn Zelke-Windau
Posted 11/02/2012 07:58 AM
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Wilda Morris:
"Gathered natural materials /for a song" is wonderful. Somehow I still had not caught on, so the ending was a wonderful surprise. Nice work, Janet. Both of your books are excellent.
Posted 11/02/2012 07:22 AM
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Eiken:
Beautiful, love the view through bare branches!!Maire
Posted 11/02/2012 06:57 AM
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LisaV:
How nice! Good surprise.
Posted 11/02/2012 06:53 AM
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erinsnana:
I loved this! As I read, I wondered what style of house you had built. Loved the ending! Nice job!
Posted 11/02/2012 06:31 AM
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vscholtz:
It's a joy to have your clever words first thing in the morning.
Posted 11/02/2012 05:38 AM
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Kay Sanders:
Lovely, Janet. And lovely surprise ending.
Posted 11/02/2012 04:52 AM
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