If you know of a Northern Colorado literary event (book signing, reading, etc.) that is not included in this blog, or have a link to a literary site that you like, or just want to share a wonderful word, send a message with the details to beth@secondletter.com. Click here for submission guidelines.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

“I Ain’t Gonna Die; I’m going home like a shooting star” –Sojourner Truth


As we close out this month, I want to acknowledge that it is marked by the loss of a dear poet:
Caroline Orman.

Caroline was a bright presence at many readings in Northern Colorado over the years, most recently this spring as one of the featured writers in The Red Shawl Poems which were composed in response to Vote: A Centennial Celebration at the Loveland Museum and Gallery.

Some of the words she wrote in her poem* for that ekphrastic collection apply amply well to herself:
This portrait evokes a sense of your strength,
unblinking determination, bravery and persistence.
. . .
I might have chosen bold, bright colors to honor your courage,
a pattern of intricate design to pay homage to your intelligence  . . .

As friend and fellow poet Lorrie Wolfe so accurately put it “Caroline was known for her well-crafted poetry, which often reflected her ever-present wit.”

A light has gone out, but the flicker goes on in the words she left us. 

Caroline, you will be much missed, but we will continue to celebrate you. 

*To read the entire poem Caroline wrote in response to visual artist Mary Nash’s work Sojourner Truth, click here

No comments:

Post a Comment