I wish I knew the full name of this poet. I found this poem several years ago in one of the monthly Goodreads contests, with the name “Jordan” as the author. Every time I read it, I fall in love with the images all over again. If anyone knows more about this person, please let me know. Google has been no help at all.
I am no good at photography.
I lack the necessary subtlety–I am too literal.
I shove the lens right into the center of my subject,
Like a punch to the gut,
Causing the context to crumple around it.
But I sat once at close of day, looking up at a bridge where
Women, silhouetted against the setting sun, made their graceful ways home carrying
Great buckets and baignoires on their heads.
You will have to imagine, I’m afraid, the way their dark bodies were made darker in relief
And the herd-like elegance–not of mindless association,
But natural interconnectedness–of their movement.
A familiar noise made the baby look up from the mat where we were playing.
I followed his gaze to find my sister framed in the doorway, the sheer curtain fluttering between us.
She was folded over a calabash bowl of rice
Making the starch-laden rinse water cascade across her caramel-colored arm,
Which she curved to her task with deft, balletic grace.
There are some–employed by National Geographic, no doubt–
Who could have captured the beauty of this moment–
The way the early Fall light made everything jewel-bright–
With a single “click” of a camera shutter.
But I am no good at photography.
– Jordan
she creates a photo in our minds through her use of lovely imagery.
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Thanks, Beth. I’m not even sure if the writer is a man or a woman. But I sure love the poem.
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Yes, I agree with you. Some people can write photographs. Beautiful poem.
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It evokes all of the senses, doesn’t it. Thanks for your comment.
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Have you been to this site? The writing is similar. http://jdreyer.blogspot.com/
I too like the poem you posted.
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I have not been to that site, Will. And yes, the writing does look similar. I can’t find any contact information other than Grand Rapids, Michigan on the site and the blog hasn’t been active since 2006. But I’ll sleuth a little and see what I can find out. Thanks!
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I did some investigation, and there is a lyricist and lead singer with the band La Dispute named Jordan Dreyer. I’ll try to contact him. Thanks so much for the lead. We may be way off, but this sounds promising. He certainly would be someone who would write good poetry. Stay tuned.
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Fingers crossed!
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Good poem. Thanks for sharing
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Thanks, Steve. I’m going to check out the writer that Will found. Maybe I can give proper credit.
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Hi Sarah, I believe this poem is by Jordan Weinstein – I found this website (https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators/resources/lieu-photograph/) where it is accredited to them!
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Thanks so, so much Fraser! Yes, that is the poem. I’ll edit to show their name. So glad it got the recognition in Peace Corps that it deserved.
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