#89 Backstory of the Poem "Clay for the Potter' By Belinda Bourgeois

Chris Rice Cooper 

caccoop@aol.com

https://www.facebook.com/car.cooper.7

*The images in this specific piece are granted copyright privilege by:  Public Domain, CCSAL, GNU Free Documentation Licenses, Fair Use Under The United States Copyright Law, or given copyright privilege by the copyright holder which is identified beneath the individual photo.

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*** The CRC Blog welcomes submissions from published and unpublished poets for BACKSTORY OF THE POEM series.  Contact CRC Blog via email at caccoop@aol.com or personal Facebook messaging at https://www.facebook.com/car.cooper.7

***This is the eighty-ninth in a never-ending series called BACKSTORY OF THE POEM where the Chris Rice Cooper Blog (CRC) focuses on one specific poem and how the poet wrote that specific poem.  All BACKSTORY OF THE POEM links are at the end of this piece. 

All images are given copyright permission by Belinda Bourgeois unless otherwise noted.

#89 Backstory of the Poem “Clay for the Potter”

by Belinda Bourgeois

Can you go through the step-by-step process of writing this poem from the moment the idea was first conceived in your brain until final form? I began jotting down a few words here and there at work. When I came home I sat down with the laptop and wrote it in a matter of several hours. 
I must confess that “Clay for the Potter” is my most heartfelt poem. I’ve written a few through the years, but none puts things into perspective for me like this one. Little did I know that this poem was the beginning of a journey….One of great discovery! It began the very moment that I surrendered to the Potter. It was then that I stood on the Potter’s Wheel to be shaped and molded into His creation, not mine. 

Over the coming days, weeks, and years a transformation ensued. My true identity was being revealed. The invisible mask of pretense I had worn for a lifetime was coming off. There were lines and cracks within the clay you see, but they were each one unique to me. Simply, they were everyday reminders of the storms, valleys, and circumstances that my God had brought me through. 

I found that in my weakest moments that He was making me strong. So, to say that I wrote this poem, “Clay for the Potter” in a matter of hours would be factual, but in all actuality, it took me a life time. Every climbed mountain….Every deep and lowly valley….Each one was a stepping stone leading me to The Potter’s Wheel to be clay in the master’s hand. 

Where were you when you started to actually write the poem? And please describe the place in great detail. There are certain memories that are forever etched within your heart. Writing “Clay for the Potter” (written in 2017) is without doubt one of those memories. I work in the counseling dept. at a large high school and I remember well my thoughts that day. 
My mind was whirling like a leaf in the wind. Pieces of the poem began to formulate, but penning them into words would come later. Nothing would’ve made me any happier than stopping and writing my thoughts on paper, but duty called. Work would take precedence, at least for the moment. I certainly didn’t linger after work. 

I found myself making a bee line towards home and to my place of inspiration. It is far from eloquent, but instead cozy, rustic, and very simplistic. It’s my thinking chair….Where my poems and devotions come to life! If only it could talk. My old chair could expose my soul. It has heard my prayers, caught my tears, and felt my pain. 
The very fibers within the arms and cushion contain my DNA. They are woven and imbedded within its brown and woolen fabric. I could find more elaborate places to think and meditate, but there’s just something about this piece of furniture that’s near and dear to my heart. We have joined together….Like two trees intertwining. I’ve become a part of it and it has become a part of me.

What do you want readers of this poem to take with them? I’m so thankful for the gifting and talents that God has given me. I can promise you that I don’t take any one of them for granted. I find it to be a great honor when He plants a word inside of me. 

In turn, I strive to plant a seed in others about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Whether in the form of a poem or a daily devotion, my desire is to pen it just as it was intended by God.  This particular poem, “Clay for the Potter,” moved me in a profound way. It opened my eyes to the truth….That we are all His creation! What’s required on our part is complete surrender. When we relinquish the reigns to God, it’s then we become the clay. We stand on His wheel to be shaped and molded into a new creation. 

My solemn prayer is that every reader will become that clay for the Potter – to be worked and kneaded into whatever shape is desired by Him. Your lines and cracks are unique to you. See, no two will ever be the same. The scripture says, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made,” so let Him create within you a masterpiece.

Which part of the poem was the most emotional for you to write and why? Every word speaks to my heart. It touches me in ways that words could never eloquently describe. In fact, like I stated earlier it’s my most heart-felt piece, but one sentence stands out above all others. It’s the part that says this: “So, examine these places within my clay, and listen well to what they say.” Hear the wisdom within these words. There’s a message here within this short and defined sentence. We make mistakes on this journey called life. I’ve certainly made my fair share. 

When I reflect back on the roads traveled, I simply shake my head in awe and wonder. Many of these roads were never meant for traveling. Yet, through the love, mercy, and grace of our heavenly father he made my path straight. Like that old saying says, “Hind sight is twenty-twenty.” Take heed to your elders. Listen to their testimonies. There is much wisdom to be gained from their stories. (Right: Copyright attribution and permission granted by Christal Ann Rice Cooper)

We could save ourselves lots of headaches and heartache if we would just surrender. What do we have to lose? If heaven and hell are non-existent then we lose nothing, but if they exist what then? I would rather go through life living for God than to discover at the end of my journey that heaven and hell are real and I lose my soul. This is why this sentence in the poem stands out to me above all others.

Has this poem been published before? And if so where? “Clay for the Potter” is an unpublished piece of poetry. If it’s God desire for it to be published I welcome it whole heartedly. If not, my prayer is that whoever reads it through this blog will be touched in a special way.

CLAY FOR THE POTTER

Upon the potter’s wheel I stand,

A piece of clay in the master’s hand.

Lines and cracks there may be,

But without them there,

I wouldn’t be me.

So, examine these places within my clay,

And listen well to what they say.

I’ve walked in valleys,

And felt their pain,

Yet, through each one there was gain.

I’m still here upon his wheel,

A piece of clay for him to build.

Shape me, mold me,

Make me strong,

Place inside me a brand new song.

It’s your holy presence that I seek,

Come before me,

Make me meek.

Draw me in,

Please, hold me tight,

Never lose me from your sight.

It’s you I trust Lord,

With my whole being.

For I walk by faith,

And not by seeing.

So, upon your wheel I firmly stand,

A piece of clay in your great hands.

My name is Belinda Stedman Bourgeois and I was born in the small, rural town of Saint Pauls, North Carolina. In fact, I still currently call it my home. This was once a thriving mill town, but the textile mills of yesterday have longed since disappeared.  During its peak, most of Saint Paul’s residents found employment within one of the two plants….My parents included! We were poor by society’s standards, but wealth can’t be measured by material things….Or at least not through my eyes! Our family had unity, love, and God in the center of our home. Call me crazy, but this was wealth. What we possessed and still possess is priceless.

       Life wasn’t easy on the mill hill, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my childhood. Neighbors were like family. See, it was commonplace during my generation to visit and fellowship. We laughed, broke bread together, and lent helping hands. It was simply a neighborhood of good, hard working people who depended on each other, but most of all, they depended on God to make it through all life’s challenges. 

I experienced Christian values first-hand. My parents lived what they preached. It was their lifestyle that shaped and molded my life. My childhood on the mill hill made a lasting impression as well. I was taught the value of friendship, togetherness, and making each day count. I’ve made many mistakes along the way, but what was instilled as a child made a lasting impression then and in the days to come. 

Our roots are not always immediately embraced, but they will eventually come to our remembrance. It’s like the good book says: (PROVERBS 22:6 KJV) “TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO; AND WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT.” (Right: Belinda in elementary school) (And Below:  Copyright attribution and permission granted by Christal Ann Rice Cooper)

Marriage took me away from my little town for some years. I was raised in a Christian home, but I had never personally accepted Christ into my heart. My role models were no longer before me. It was now my responsibility to live in a manner taught by my parents, but I failed miserably. I wasn’t a bad person, but my lifestyle was a far cry from the morals and values taught by my mother and father. Sometimes it takes the storms in life for us to find our way home. (Left:  Belinda's Bible)

It’s so amazing how God uses people. He certainly used my mother to make a lasting impact. It was through her sickness that I drew closer to my heavenly father. I remember the news like it was yesterday. It was a mass and located on my mother’s right ovary. None of us could imagine the fourteen-year journey that was about to ensue. Her cancer was one of the turning points toward my surrender to Christ. She was given a 3 year prognosis, but her fight to live gave us fourteen years with this blessed and faithful saint. If ever there was a woman of God, it was my mother Shirley Hill Stedman.  (Above Right:  Belinda's parents)

She fought like a soldier. Even on her hardest days, it was us who left encouraged. Momma had the sweetest and kindest spirit of anyone. Each time the cancer went into remission we praised God and upon its return we trusted Him. It was through watching her journey and how she carried herself that impacted my life. I saw such strength and confidence within this woman. (Left: Belinda's mother Shirley taken the same year she was diagnosed with cancer)

We don’t realize our capabilities until that pivotal moment. It’s when we face our storms and trials that what we carry inside comes forth. I saw it within my mother, and discovered it within myself. It wasn’t something I recognized immediately, but I can reflect upon it now and see the strength. 

Finding yourself as a single parent is hard, but abandonment makes it even harder. I could describe in great detail every word and action, but for what purpose? It’s been a process to say the least, but with God’s help I’ve finally found forgiveness. Let me be the first to say that I’m imperfect. I made mistakes and still do. I could’ve done some things differently, but I’ve asked God and him for forgiveness. It’s been quite the journey, but I’ve grown and matured through every step. There have been many valleys along the way, but the mountain top is coming. In fact, I find myself in mid-climb. Me and my son both should be statistics….And not the good ones mind you! Instead, we have found blessings and favor from God. I haven’t always lived the Christian life, but I now work diligently toward patterning my life with God, church, and people who are true spirit-filled believers of Christ.

Writing and journaling has helped me release my pain. The day He awakened my gifting to bring words to life will forever be etched inside of my heart. September 14, 2014 was that day. I can describe it with the greatest of detail. The praise team was singing “Let it Rain.” I felt something inside directing me to go forward. I remember leaving my pew and walking toward the altar. God met me there and wisped me away to his secret place. Nothing mattered except for his presence. It was as if “Holy Rain” had fallen upon me. It was afterwards that this burning desire to write had awakened with me. I’ve been writing since this date and sharing God’s word through devotions and poetry. I’m so thankful for his gifting. I find it to be a great honor when God speaks to my heart and gives me words to share with the people around me. (Left:
https://christianmusic.christiandevotional.com.ng/let-it-rain-by-michael-w-smith-free-mp3-download/)

I’ve questioned for many years my true purpose here. What is it that I was created to do? What is the plan that God has for my life? I have a heart for broken women. I understand their pain. After all, I’ve experienced plenty of it myself. I will begin classes soon in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Christian Counseling. I remember my pastor asking me this question one day. He said, “Belinda, what is your first love?” I couldn’t immediately answer his question, but instead I pondered over his words for days. All of sudden, it was like a lightning bolt had struck me down. I remembered the one thing that gave me such a feeling of fulfillment. It was when I spoke to our women’s ministry group. What started as a short ten-minute devotion changed to a thirty minute motivational speech. I’m still reminded to this day of its impact….How God purposed my words! Let me be clear. It’s nothing that I can take credit for.(Above Left:  Belinda teaching Bible Study at the women's ministry of her church)

 Instead, I thank God for using me and speaking through me. I was simply a willing vessel. I was clay on the potter’s wheel to be shaped and molded by him. I’m still that clay in His hands. He’s constantly working and kneading me into a new creation. He’s creating a masterpiece. My prayer is that you will allow him to create a masterpiece in you! Remember, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” and you are loved by our heavenly father.  (Right:  Belinda reading her Bible.  Copyright permission granted by Belinda Bourgeois for this CRC Blog Post only)

Face book – https://www.facebook.com/belinda.bourgeois1/timeline?lst=100000216751456%3A100000593511847%3A1552675969     Email Address – Belinda.bourgeois@robeson.k12.nc.us

BACKSTORY OF THE POEM LINKS

001  December 29, 2017

Margo Berdeshevksy’s “12-24”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-new-crc-blog-series-backstory-of-poem.html

002  January 08, 2018

Alexis Rhone Fancher’s “82 Miles From the Beach, We Order The Lobster At Clear Lake Café”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-new-crc-blog-series-backstory-of-poem.html

003 January 12, 2018

Barbara Crooker’s “Orange”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-new-crc-blog-series-backstory-of-poem_12.html

004 January 22, 2018

Sonia Saikaley’s “Modern Matsushima”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-fourth-installment-of-new-crc-blog.html

005 January 29, 2018

Ellen Foos’s “Side Yard”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/01/5-backstory-of-poem-sidewalk-by-ellen.html

006 February 03, 2018

Susan Sundwall’s “The Ringmaster”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/02/6-backstory-of-poem-susan-sundwalls.html

007 February 09, 2018

Leslea Newman’s “That Night”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/02/7-backstory-of-poem-that-night-by.html

008 February 17, 2018

Alexis Rhone Fancher “June Fairchild Isn’t Dead”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/02/8-backstory-of-poem-june-fairchild-isnt.html

009 February 24, 2018

Charles Clifford Brooks III “The Gift of the Year With Granny”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/02/9-backstory-of-poem-gift-of-year-with.html

010 March 03, 2018

Scott Thomas Outlar’s “The Natural Reflection of Your Palms”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/03/chris-ricecooper-caccoopaol.html

011 March 10, 2018

Anya Francesca Jenkins’s “After Diane Beatty’s Photograph “History Abandoned”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/03/11-backstory-of-poem-after-diane.html

012  March 17, 2018

Angela Narciso Torres’s “What I Learned This Week”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/03/12-backstory-of-poem-series-angela.html

013 March 24, 2018

Jan Steckel’s “Holiday On ICE”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/03/13-backstory-of-poem-jan-steckels.html

014 March 31, 2018

Ibrahim Honjo’s “Colors”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/03/14-backstory-of-poem-ibrahim-honjos.html

015 April 14, 2018

Marilyn Kallett’s “Ode to Disappointment”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/04/15-backstory-of-poem-ode-to_14.html

016  April 27, 2018

Beth Copeland’s “Reliquary”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/04/16-backstory-of-poem-reliquary-by-beth.html

017  May 12, 2018

Marlon L Fick’s “The Swallows of Barcelona”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/05/17-backstory-of-poem-swallows-of.html

018  May 25, 2018

Juliet Cook’s “ARTERIAL DISCOMBOBULATION”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/05/18-backstory-of-poem-arterial.html

019  June 09, 2018

Alexis Rhone Fancher’s “Stiletto Killer. . . A Surmise”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/06/19-backstory-of-poem-stiletto-killer.html

020 June 16, 2018

Charles Rammelkamp’s “At Last I Can Start Suffering”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/06/20-backstory-of-poem-at-least-i-can.html

021  July 05, 2018

Marla Shaw O’Neill’s “Wind Chimes”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/07/21-backstory-of-poem-wind-chimes-by.html

022 July 13, 2018

Julia Gordon-Bramer’s “Studying Ariel”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/07/22-backstory-of-poem-studying-ariel-by.html

023 July 20, 2018

Bill Yarrow’s “Jesus Zombie”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/07/23-backstory-of-poem-jesus-zombie-by.html

024  July 27, 2018

Telaina Eriksen’s “Brag 2016”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/07/24-backstory-of-poem-brag-2016-by.html

025  August 01, 2018

Seth Berg’s “It is only Yourself that Bends – so Wake up!”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/08/25-backstory-of-poem-it-is-only.html

026  August 07, 2018

David Herrle’s “Devil In the Details”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/08/26-backstory-of-poem-devil-in-details.html

027  August 13, 2018

Gloria Mindock’s “Carmen Polo, Lady Necklaces, 2017”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/08/27-backstory-of-poem-carmen-polo-lady.html

028  August 21, 2018

Connie Post’s “Two Deaths”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/08/28-backstory-of-poem-two-deaths-by.html

029  August 30, 2018

Mary Harwell Sayler’s “Faces in a Crowd”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/08/29-backstory-of-poem-faces-in-crowd-by.html

030 September 16, 2018

Larry Jaffe’s “The Risking Point”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/09/30-backstory-of-poem-risking-point-by.html

031  September 24, 2018

Mark Lee Webb’s “After We Drove”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/09/31-backstory-of-poem-after-we-drove-by.html

032  October 04, 2018

Melissa Studdard’s “Astral”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/10/32-backstory-of-poem-astral-by-melissa.html

033 October 13, 2018

Robert Craven’s “I Have A Bass Guitar Called Vanessa”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/10/33-backstory-of-poem-i-have-bass-guitar.html

034  October 17, 2018

David Sullivan’s “Paper Mache Peaches of Heaven”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/10/34-backstory-of-poem-paper-mache.html

035 October 23, 2018

Timothy Gager’s “Sobriety”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/10/35-backstory-of-poem-sobriety-by.html

036  October 30, 2018

Gary Glauber’s “The Second Breakfast”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/10/36-backstory-of-poem-second-breakfast.html

037  November 04, 2018

Heather Forbes-McKeon’s “Melania’s Deaf Tone Jacket”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/37-backstory-of-poem-melanias-deaf-tone.html

038 November 11, 2018

Andrena Zawinski’s “Women of the Fields”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/38-backstory-of-poem-women-of-fields-by.html

039  November 00, 2018

Gordon Hilger’s “Poe”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/39-backstory-of-poem-poe-by-gordon.html

040 November 16, 2018

Rita Quillen’s “My Children Question Me About Poetry” and “Deathbed Dreams”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/40-backstory-of-poems-my-children.html

041 November 20, 2018

Jonathan Kevin Rice’s “Dog Sitting”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/41-backstory-of-poem-dog-sitting-by.html

042 November 22, 2018

Haroldo Barbosa Filho’s “Mountain”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/42-backstory-of-poem-mountain-by.html

043  November 27, 2018

Megan Merchant’s “Grief Flowers”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/43-backstory-of-poem-grief-flowers-by.html

044 November 30, 2018

Jonathan P Taylor’s “This poem is too neat”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/44-backstory-of-poem-poem-is-too-neat.html

045  December 03, 2018

Ian Haight’s “Sungmyo for our Dead Father-in-Law”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/045-backstory-of-poem-sungmyo-for-our.html

046 December 06, 2018

Nancy Dafoe’s “Poem in the Throat”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/046-backstory-of-poem-poem-registering.html

047 December 11, 2018

Jeffrey Pearson’s “Memorial Day”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/47-backstory-of-poem-memorial-day-by.html

048  December 14, 2018

Frank Paino’s “Laika”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/48-backstory-of-poem-laika-by-frank.html

049  December 15, 2018

Jennifer Martelli’s “Anniversary”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/49-backstory-of-poem-anniversary-by.html

O50  December 19, 2018

Joseph Ross’s “For Gilberto Ramos, 15, Who Died in the Texas Desert, June 2014”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/50-backstory-of-poem-for-gilberto-ramos.html

051 December 23, 2018

“The Persistence of Music”

by Anatoly Molotkov

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/51-backstory-of-poem-persistence-of.html

052  December 27, 2018

“Under Surveillance”

by Michael Farry

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/52-backstory-of-poem-under-surveillance.html

053  December 28, 2018

“Grand Finale”

by Renuka Raghavan

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/53-backstory-of-poem-grand-finale-by.html

054  December 29, 2018

“Aftermath”

by Gene Barry

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/54-backstory-of-poem-aftermath-by-gene.html

055 January 2, 2019

“&”

by Larissa Shmailo

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/55-backstory-of-poem-by-larissa-shmailo.html

056  January 7, 2019

“The Seamstress:

by Len Kuntz

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/56-backstory-of-poem-seamstress-by-len_6.html

057  January 10, 2019

"Natural History"

by Camille T Dungy

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/57-backstory-of-poem-natural-history-by.html

058  January 11, 2019

“BLOCKADE”

by Brian Burmeister

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/58-backstory-of-poem-blockade-by-brian.html

059  January 12, 2019

“Lost”

by Clint Margrave

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/59-backstory-of-poem-lost-by-clint.html

060 January 14, 2019

“Menopause”

by Pat Durmon

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/60-backstory-of-poem-menopause-by-pat.html

061 January 19, 2019

“Neptune’s Choir”

by Linda Imbler

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/61-backstory-of-poem-neptunes-choir-by.html

062  January 22, 2019

“Views From the Driveway”

by Amy Barone

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/62-backstory-of-poem-views-from.html

063  January 25, 2019

“The heron leaves her haunts in the marsh”

by Gail Wronsky

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/63-backstory-of-poem-heron-leaves-her.html

064  January 30, 2019

“Shiprock”

by Terry Lucas

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/64-backstory-of-poem-shiprock-by-terry_29.html

065 February 02, 2019

“Summer 1970, The University of Virginia Opens to Women in the Fall”

by Alarie Tennille

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/65-backstory-of-poem-summer-1970.html

066 February 05, 2019

“At School They Learn Nouns”

by Patrick Bizzaro

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/66-backstory-of-poem-at-school-they.html

067  February 06, 2019

“I Must Not Breathe”

by Angela Jackson-Brown

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/67-backstory-of-poem-i-must-not-breathe.html

068 February 11, 2019

“Lunch on City Island, Early June”

by Christine Potter

 https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/068-backstory-of-poem-lunch-on-city.html

069 February 12, 2019

“Singing”

by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/69-backstory-of-poem-singing-by-andrew.html

070 February 14, 2019

“Daily Commute”

by Christopher P. Locke

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/70-backstory-of-poem-daily-commute-by.html

071 February 18, 2019

“How Silent The Trees”

by Wyn Cooper

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/71-backstory-of-poem-how-silent-trees.html

072 February 20, 2019

“A New Psalm of Montreal”

by Sheenagh Pugh

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/72-backstory-of-poem-new-psalm-of.html

073 February 23, 2019

“Make Me A Butterfly”

by Amy Barbera

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/73-backstory-of-poem-make-me-butterfly_23.html

074 February 26, 2019

“Anthem”

by Sandy Coomer

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/74-backstory-of-poem-anthem-by-sandy.html

075 March 4, 2019

“Shape of a Violin”

by Kelly Powell

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/75-backstory-of-poem-shape-of-violin-by.html

076 March 5, 2019

“Inward Oracle”

by J.P. Dancing Bear

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/76-backstory-of-poem-inward-oracle-by.html

077 March 7, 2019

“I Broke My Bust Of Jesus”

by Susan Sundwall

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/77-backstory-of-poem-i-broke-my-bust-of.html

078 March 9, 2019

“My Mother at 19”

by John Guzlowski

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/78-backstory-of-poem-my-mother-was-19.html

079 March 10, 2019

“Paddling”

by Chera Hammons Miller

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/79-backstory-of-poem-paddling-by-chera.html

080 March 12, 2019

“Of Water and Echo”

by Gillian Cummings

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/80-backstory-of-poem-of-water-and-echo.html

081   082   083    March 14, 2019

“Little Political Sense”   “Crossing Kansas with Jim

Morrison”  “The Land of Sky and Blue Waters”

by Dr. Lindsey Martin-Bowen

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/81-82-and-83-backstory-of-poems-by-dr.html

084 March 15, 2019

“A Tune To Remember”

by Anna Evans

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/84-backstory-of-poem-tune-to-remember.html

085 March 19, 2019

“At the End of Time (Wish You Were Here)

by Jeannine Hall Gailey

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/85-backstory-of-poem-at-end-of-time.html

086 March 20, 2019

“Garden of Gethsemane”

by Marletta Hemphill

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/86-backstory-of-poem-view-from.html

087 March 21, 2019

“Letters From a War”

by Chelsea Dingman

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/87-backstory-of-poem-letters-from-war.html

088 March 26, 2019

“HAT”

by Bob Heman

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/88-backstory-of-poem-hat-by-bob-heman.html

089 March 27, 2019

“Clay for the Potter”

by Belinda Bourgeois

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/89-backstory-of-poem-clay-for-potter-by.html