Special Showcase: Ekphrastic Workshops with Bonnie Naradzay and the Ingleside Independent Living Retirement Community Bonnie Naradzay started leading monthly poetry workshops at Ingleside Independent Retirement Center in Washington DC around 2015, shortly after the 98th birthday of her friend, Henry Morgenthau III, who was an Ingleside resident. They had become friends in 2012 when they took a community poetry class together that fall; it was taught by David Keplinger, a poet and mentor on the faculty of American University. The format of the workshop, which is an hour to an hour and a half long, remains the same. She prepares a handout of 12 - 15 pages for each participant. The handout features poems by a single poet, with information about that poet’s work, or poems that focus on a poetic technique or tradition. The handout includes “writing suggestions” based on the information in the handout and on the poems, which serve as examples. At the following session, some participants bring poems they’ve written in response to the “Writing suggestions” to share with the group for discussion, so that half the time is devoted to these poetic efforts; the rest of the time is for exploring the new handout and taking a look at the “writing responses.” Quite a few times over the years, the sessions have featured the many ways to write ekphrastic poetry and include examples of poems paired with the works of art that inspired the poems. It is a wonderful means to practice “art” in more than one way! ** Ladder to the Moon When researching the location of Ladder to the Moon, hoping to find it nearby (it’s in the Whitney in New York), I learned that a decrepit ladder leaned against O’Keeffe’s stable wall at Ghost Ranch and that a ladder is a Navajo symbol of the connection between those of us on earth and those in the realm of the gods. Living in the same country, and sensitive to the air, the light, topography of New Mexico – she began developing the sensitivity of a Navajo. The Pedernal mountain (her view from her studio) provides a sturdy base for the image. Most of the picture is of the sky – from light to dark turquoise. For Navajos, the stone symbolizes spirituality, good health, and creativity. The reproduction I have shows me that the square spaces between rungs are lighter than the sky behind them. Was this due to her poor vision or does it emphasize that the ladder is floating in space? Was the ladder really pink or did she choose the colour to complement the sky? It does seem to be floating upwards. She painted it in 1958 when she was 72 and beginning to go blind. Perhaps she realized that she was on her way up the ladder, as well. How better to express the imminence of the Final Journey? The peaceful certainty of the floating ladder, The comfort of the blue-green sky, the promise of the glowing half-moon All combine to assure us of the gentleness of death. Her early paintings show her intense observation of the details of life. Here did she want to show us the beauty of the infinite? Sarah Yerkes Sarah Yerkes published her first book of poems this year at the age of 101. Her interest in writing poetry began in her mid-nineties after she joined the monthly Ingleside Poetry Workshop. In her professional life she was a practicing architect for many years; then she became interested in creating sculptures. Now she finds joy in sculpting imagery, memories, musings – through words on the page. Her ekphrastic poem “Pygmalion and Galatea” was read at the Burning Man Festival this year. ** Ladder to the Moon I’m gazing at the startling turquoise sky. Thoughts take flight on the untethered ladder. Across the horizon lies a dark line Hiding peaks and valleys, rocks and trees, Like a complex person I do not know. All is dwarfed in endless possibilities. I wonder what was on O’Keeffe’s mind. As always, she articulates no message. Pallid words, themselves lost in the sky. After toiling up, our awe is speechless. The moon is small, a distant reminder Of whole galaxies beyond our endless space. As I ponder, my feelings of awe are intense, Words lost in that startling turquoise sky, Untethered as the hand hewn ladder And free to wander in my inner world. As I gaze, relaxing into memories, I stand on a mountain top with my Dad. Our horses had toiled up a steep, rocky trail, And, finally, exhausted satisfaction. Molly Jones-Quinn Molly Quinn, soon to be 80, has lived at the Ingleside Independent Retirement Center for three years. The Poetry Workshop is the high point of her month. Words have always been important tools for her as a parent, a writer, a teacher, and a psychoanalyst. She has twice received the Plumsock Prize for psychoanalytic writing; she finds poetry a delightful new challenge. ** Meditation on O’Keeffe’s Ladder to the Moon Ladder suspended in blue sky Moon in its first quarter above Hints of desolation below Separated by wisps of clouds Perhaps, a message of despair Atmospheric trapping more warmth Too much and too little water Famine and distress on our sphere Perhaps, promising future hope The moon’s coruscating climax Bathes earth in gilded brilliance Bringing focus to the ladder Up and down, sky and ground Will despair turn to hope in time? Ted Truman Ted Truman (78) is an international economist who worked at the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury; he moved to Ingleside seven years ago, and in 2015 he joined the Ingleside Poetry Salon. Here he has tried his hand at poetry and has applied himself with diligence to this art ever since. His abiding interest is in writing about nature. A Dog’s Life at Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party On a bright spring day My person gave me a bath Put me in a basket Took me for a ride Men were on the water Sitting on a plank Waving funny sticks Not my kind of paddle Moved from sun to shade Table spread with food They gave me some, of course We were in France you know Ladies smelled sweet Flowers in a garden Each gave me a cuddle I’d rather chase squirrels Ted Truman ** A Riff on Renoir’s Boating Party Whoever has a “luncheon” today? Nobody. Now it’s grab and go: “Hey fella, you want fries with that? Sit over there-- room to spare.” Renoir’s impression of our past Depicts the peak of civilization When people had their values straight, When doggies could be kissed at table, And guys didn’t have to wear shirts. Time itself lingering on As alcoholic haze spreads By breath that carries the soothing words Of love and peace and je ne sais quoi In an afternoon that lasts as long As boundless beauty, wit and charm continues to fill this natural space. I love the hats. What’s up with hats Today? Advertising egos and heroes-- politics and sports. And finally, again, the food and drink: Why, who of us would ever think We have it good today? No way. Paul Armington Paul Armington (79) is an economist who worked at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. He moved to Ingleside three years ago and joined the monthly poetry workshop. He is enjoying learning about poets and their writing styles through the ages, and he happily crafts poems now rather than economics position papers.
3 Comments
Carole Mertz
12/18/2019 03:45:27 pm
A comment for Ted Truman. I boast, I've also written one on "Luncheon of the Boating Party." I just love that painting and I like the way you put yourself into the body of the lovable dog, and did it well!
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Edwin Truman
1/8/2020 12:04:28 pm
Thank you for your encouragement. I am an amateur having fun at my age.
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David Belcher
2/19/2021 08:08:38 am
Sarah Yerkes poem stands out for me, the inquiring tone, a questing intelligence, her healthy curiosity, it's inspiring.
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