Words & Color by Angie Ledbetter

I know it's hard to read the words I've culled from a textbook page to form a visual poem, but just the colors and design are pretty interesting in themselves, dontcha think? Lately, I've become consumed with this new-to-me-poetry/art-form. Sometimes called Visual Poetry (VizPo), Concrete Poetry, Treated Text, Manipulated Books, Book Art, and Poetry Art, it's a great way to spend time away from the world and normal routines, and I encourage you to see what it's all about. (I don't have a single ounce of artistic "ability," so good thing it's not a requirement.)

Why am I writing about it today? You know how it is when you run across a great bargain, a cafe that makes the best cup of coffee you've ever had, new love with someone really fantastic (not that these examples are in order of importance), a fresh market that sells the most awesome tomatoes, a little known book, a fantastic piece of music...something that really amazes you and pushes your gratitude button? You just want to share it with anyone who might be interested in your own little personal discovery or unearthing of a nifty little nugget.

And while we're on the subject of words, I hope my sister-in-law won't mind me borrowing a few lines from an email she sent just now after taking a walk. She'd read a beautiful poem on some aspect of Monet's work and life, and her note was infused with images of simple beauty and wistfulness, so again, I wanted to share:

Sigh. Isn't poetry beautiful?

And art?

And earth?

Now that's why we have all these words and colors and combinations of the two surrounding us -- Inspiration! And I'm grateful every day for that gift.

{Visual Poetry by Angie Ledbetter}

The Loveliness of Words by Angie Ledbetter

I've always loved reading books, short stories and interesting articles, but only in the last 5 or 6 years have I started really paying attention to poetry. Sure, I tried my hand at a few pathetic poems in high school to express all that teen angst bottled up inside, and studied the required "masters" in class, but that was as far as my exposure went. Now that I've begun reading poetry in print publications and literary zines such as Rose& Thorn
http://http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ , Rattle http://http://www.rattle.com/ Drunken Boat, http://http://www.drunkenboat.com/db9/index.html etc., I love it. Taking a poetry course has added to my enjoyment.

With the increased reading of poetry, I've been writing quite a bit of it also. I get pure joy from stringing words and thoughts together in a concise form. Although very different from crafting articles or books, I can jot the bare bones or ideas for a poem down quickly, then come back to it at my leisure. And when the words flow and the stanzas pop, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. I've created something from seemingly random ideas or by trying to convey a feeling succinctly. Writing poetry gives me a relaxing and enjoyable break from bigger, heavier projects.

Since I've been reading so much more poetry, I now have favorite poets. Their voices are distinct and their words have the power to transport me to unexpected places. Two contemporary modern poets I am thankful to "know" are former Poet Laureate Billy Collins (Listen to his magic here: http://http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3664 ) and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing in person: http://http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/entertainment/poetry/profiles/poet_trethewey.html .

Their work always makes me smile with surprise and pleasure.