When Down-to-Earth is Cool
Poets often write in specific subjects rather
than a variety. Their writing flows comfortably in a particular setting, or
they’re content to open an emotional gate and explore the many facets of a
subject near to their heart.
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| Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861 |
Contemporary
poets, are not much different. If you’ve written or been drawn to poems of
the land and the farmers who live by it for instance, but didn’t know there is
a word for it … here ya go …
GEORGIC (ʹjȯr-jik)
– 1; 1513) n. a poem dealing with agriculture [or
husbandry]; 2; ca. 1720) adj. agricultural. [WW #282]
Not sure what I’d find when I searched for
examples, I was moved at the heart and depth of those who live in or simply
appreciate rural living and life of a farmer. Snippets of georgic
life …
… Your labor is done, your home now is heaven;
no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land,
and we will close the gate.
… The farmer’s trade is one of worth;
He’s partner with the sky and earth,
He’s partner with the sun and rain,
And no man loses for his gain;
And men may rise, or men may fall,
But the farmer he must feed them all. …
While there are pages of poems dedicated to georgic
toil and philosophies, we are in danger of losing the very lifeblood of human
existence to automation and genetic engineering. We need the sustenance that
originates in the Earth.
In the past couple of centuries, we have lost vital
farmland to urban living, world wars, and depressions. How much more land will
we devastate before realizing the intensity of what we’ve lost is depleting our
collective health?
As the world looks for meaning and pathways to
a new way of doing everything, let’s not forget our literal roots. The georgic
population is especially overwhelmed now. A noble profession, working the land
is one of the oldest methods for preserving humankind. While “manufactured”
food is all well and good, is it truly good for us?
How can you help our georgic population,
many whose families have farmed for centuries? Perhaps these inspirational
news items may inspire your writing to create,
or donate, or simply meditate for the good of all.
Word Challenge: GEORGIC. Consider how your food goes from ground to
table, as you fit georgic into your
week of down-to-Earth writings and clever conversations.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your
inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*LR Notes: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to
definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps
indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning
are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in
legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
