‘Illuminator’ Published at Green Ink Poetry!
I am happy to share my poem, Illuminator, is published at Green Ink Poetry in their ninth collection, patronage!
The Patronage collection explores themes of privilege, support, accessibility, and artistry through writing connected to nature and emotion connected to the rawest origin of each feeling. The theme is interpreted and re-interpreted by dozens of writers devoted to the beautiful word.
What inspired my poem?
Illuminator is born from my reading of the origins of the written word. The first painstakingly produced books formed the basis of a new method of communication. Where at first stories were kept alive by word of mouth, suddenly books offered a new way to preserve myth and legend. However, because most people could not read, the books were interpreted by the literate storytellers who traveled to share the written tales. As such, the stories changed at the whim of the reader.
I love the idea that each reader reads something new into the same story (and get a wonderful glimpse of this when I read varied comments from different people based off the same poem) but also believe people need to be able to interpret the stories on their own instead of being fed the understanding of someone else. It is individual reading of a story that makes writing so diverse and able.
What is an illuminator?
The scribe penned the written word when books were built page by page. He worked with accuracy and intention, often copying the same page hundreds of times. The illuminator came through afterward and illustrated each page with the minuscule detail and artwork that makes ancient scrolls and old books so rich and beautiful to look at.
I invite you to enjoy Illuminator and taste the history of words flow like ink on your tongue. The following is an excerpt of my poem, Illuminator.
She holds the pen as the
Willow tree holds her branches
Ink drops drooping,
Embodying the olive-green leaf . . . please continue reading here and feel free to share your timeless thoughts!
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Dominic Alapat
Lovely poem! I like how you describe this illiterate illustrator whose art work is appreciated by all! I also like the sense of wonder you bring to this moment of creation!
diaryofagaydad.net
As alway, very immersive words! And loving the reference to vellum! Our original video tape recorder 🙌
KK
Congratulations, Jaya! Loved the essence of poem.
Jodie | That Happy Reader
Wow this is so powerful Jaya! I see the importance of these stories being shared without the use of written language. Congratulations on your most recent publication!
aimsysantics
Congratulations on another pulication Jaya! Again, beautiful words that bring the imagination to life.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
paeansunplugged
How ironical! You captured it in a most stunning write.
ankevandermerwe
Congratulations 🥳🥳🥳🥳 and I love the bit of history
Lamittan Minsah
Congratulations, Jaya. Glad to be reading your works which are adorned with artistic and thematic beauties. Keep writing, dear.
schmitztimo
Congratulations, Jaya! I am very proud of you.
Kelly Diane
Congratulations. Its great to see 2022 getting off to a good start for you, especially with such a beautiful poem.
Jeff Flesch
Absolutely gorgeous, Jaya. I get the deep love affair we have with words and the symbols and imagery they conjure in mind and heart. The line about tracing the thick lines illuminated this for me. Gorgeous poetry. Congratulations!
Jaya Avendel
Love this wonderful read, Jeff! Thank you.
Jeff Flesch
You’re most welcome, Jaya. Always!
Michele Lee
I love this post for so many reasons, Jaya. I too love reading and learning about different reader perspectives. I also enjoyed that experience as a high school teacher. A difficult bridge for many students to cross – sharing their own interpretation, because too many want to give the “right” answer. I believe there may be as many interpretations for a poem or story as there are readers. That belief can frustrate students. It would be a treat to have a discussion on this poem – many directions one can go with the subjects you introduce. Love this line~ “Portrait unfolding in the empty space”
Gorgeous! Congrats! I am so proud of you and your continued publications. 🌻
Jaya Avendel
Michele, this HAS to be one of my favorite responses from you yet! Thank you for sharing the many directions this poem and its little backstory took you in, as well as the thoughts it evoked.
Artist/Poet_JayMoraShihadeh
What a great bit of history, congrats Jaya! Love this little story
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Jay!
Eugi
Congratulation, Jaya! Your poem is stunning! ❤️
Daphny Aqua
Congratulations Jaya 🥳 Such a beautifully written poem and loved the story behind it. 💖
Jaya Avendel
Much appreciated, Daphny!
Lisa's Notebook
Congrats on being published again, Jaya! Such beautiful lines, and how wonderful that even though the illuminator can’t actually read them, somehow they speak to her and conjure up her illustrations. I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere – perhaps about learning to look beneath the surface?
Jaya Avendel
Love the little message you thought to feel, Lisa! Thank you for sharing.
HacketthillFarm
Yet another beautiful piece my friend! Congratulations! I love the idea that everyone had a hand in making ancient scripts a piece of art whether by word and thought or through illustration and animated storytelling. Well done.
Eri Tz
Congratulations on another publication! I am so happy for you! I read the poem and I could easily imagine you as her who is dropping the ink. Loved it!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
Congatulations!!
I am always that much HAPPY when your Words are published and shared.
I particularly love Willow tree and with the image of ink drops you have made it simply PERFECT.
Thank You so much!!
Jaya Avendel
Claudia, a wonderful expression! Thank you.
Heidi Bruaw
I love the story behind this poem! You are so talented, too! Congrats on being published.
bloglifewitherica
Jaya,
You are so creative. I am so happy for you and most importantly proud of you. Please continue writing. You add so much to the creative world.
Beautifully written, as always.
xo Erica
Cindy Georgakas
Wow Jaya, this is stunning.. lovely poetry!
Congratulations! 💖💖💖👏
Corinne
Congrats on being in another publication! I’m going to pop over and have a read now 🙂
Corinne x
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Beautiful poem and the story behind it is fascinating. It’s amazing how words can paint such a vivid picture in our minds. Thanks for sharing.
Sowmya
Wonderful poetry Jaya. Congratulations !
Farrokh namazi
You’ve captured the illuminator beautifully. Loved this one.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! It is a favorite of mine too.
D. Wallace Peach
Ah, what a beautiful inspiration and interpretation of those first written words, how they flourished and changed. I too believe that a book is only the first part of a story’s journey, which is then completed by the reader’s imagination and interpretation. The poem is sublime, so careful and delicately “illustrated.” Love this post.
Jaya Avendel
Your read, my friend, is beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
D. Wallace Peach
Your post is stunning, Jaya. My pleasure.
radiosarahc
Love your poetry Jaya, it’s wonderful and congratulations
Ingrid
Wonderful, Jaya, congratulations! What sad irony that the illuminator is illiterate…
Jaya Avendel
I thought that was the most interesting part! It held me in such fascination.