Happy May Day!
(Giveaway is Closed)
Southern women have a way of relating to each other and that might be because there is just something about being raised a Southern girl. We can identify with so many of the same things.
That’s the case with Terri Kirby Erickson’s new poetry book, Telling Tales of Dusk. Terri contacted me and introduced herself, asking if I’d like to read her book and after clicking around at some sites and reading the word pictures that Terri puts together in her book, I was eager to read it for myself. Terri was born in North Carolina and has lived much of her life there. I have fond memories of that sweet state, so I know Terri has to be a great lady. You can click on the link above to read more about Terri and her books.
I have always wished that I was a talented writer, but unfortunately that is not my strong suit. Words draw us in like a bee to a flower (see, I try) 🙂 and when I read words that are written exceptionally well, I see that as such a talent. One that I don’t particularly have, but admire in others.
Telling Tales of Dusk is Terri’s newest book of poetry (in paperback) and Terri is an award winning poet. Each turn of the page brings a new little short story, written in poetry form that really wraps around your memories and pulls you right into her world.
From Tomato Sandwich, which starts:
Leaning on the counter
by an open window
with tomato juice dripping down
your chin and mayonnaise
gathering
in the corners of your mouth
as soggy, white bread
sticks to your teeth
Now, that feels and sounds so familiar to me, having eaten my share of tomato sandwiches growing up with a gardening dad who made sure if we had nothing else out of that garden, the tomatoes were plentiful and juicy.
Pool Day
Greased up and decked out in new bathing suits, plastic sunglasses and flip-flops, my brother and I waited in line with our mother at the entrance to Tanglewood Pool, clutching rubber rafts and over-sized beach towels with neon stripes you could spot from the moon. The mingled scents of chlorine, coconut suntan lotion and French fries drenched in tomato ketchup, along with the whoops of joy and continuous splashing sounds that kids create when they’re cavorting in a pool, was enough to send us into a swoon of anticipated ecstasy. But there were two metal turnstiles we had to pass through after Mom paid the baby-faced cashier.
Can’t you just feel that picture? I can. My mom used to take us to a city pool while growing up too, so this takes me back to that excitement.
Words evoke memories and memories are what life is made up of.
Terri sent me a copy of the book and has graciously agreed to give one of YOU a copy of her book too, so if you’d like to win a copy, just leave a comment here on this post.
Did you like poetry growing up? I remember having to write some poems for school and my mom actually kept one of my little paper binder of poems for a long time, but I have no idea what happened to them. I was not destined to be a famous poet, but I do enjoy reading Terri’s words. They are sweet, eloquent and memory-inducing.
Leave a comment to win and I’ll pick a winner by Monday evening!
My mom made sure I read plenty of poetry growing up. She said it was food for the soul. E.E. Cummings was my favorite of all that I read.
When I was a little girl we had a big thick book of poetry, poems like “Leak in the Dike,” and “Casey at the Bat.” I would read them over and over again. Wish I still had that old tattered book.
Her poetry sounds wonderful.
hugs
Sissie
Poetry is wonderful isn’t it? A combination of words that can bring a memory back in a heartbeat. I would love to be considered for this lovely book. Thanks. P.S. I love your blog! HTH Janet
I hated poetry growing up. I’m so glad I’ve grown to appreciate it and actually enjoy it as an adult. This book is meant to be mine.. I love anything and everything Southern aaannnddd I love books about NC and/or from NC authors. Thanks for sharing!
I have always loved poetry. I even studied/wrote poetry in college. It’s definitly one of my passions!
Love tomato sandwiches and that captured it exactly! I would love read more of her poetry. Please enter me in this giveaway. I ‘tried’ to write poetry when young but I’m not good. Still I love words!
Not only did I love to read poetry, I liked to write it as well. I fell away from it after I married. Maybe someday I will start again!
The book sounds lovely!
xoxo
Jane
Her poetry is so down to earth! I loved the one about tomato sandwiches. Thanks for a great giveaway. Love & blessings from NC!
Now that gal can write. I love me a ‘mato samich so I could totally relate.
I have written some little poems and have them in a binder somewhere.
I love poetry–The writen word is permanant and captivating
I adore poetry and always have. I had my “poetry writing years” during my teens and filled two soft cover blank books with my attempts. They are now tucked away in a drawer for someone to find and laugh through.
I would love to have this book.
Love the tomato sandwich poem. I have very fresh white bread but it is too early for the really good, acidic, tomatoes. I want the book, please!
I was never fond of most poetry, but being a southern girl, this I can relate to. Since hubby is in the military, my kids haven’t grown up with the southern things, but we are now in the south and maybe this would help them relate to things they don’t get right now. Very cool.
Her poetry is a sensory delight, isn’t it? And the cover is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this treasure; it’s one I’ll want to buy! Annie
I could taste that tomato sandwich when I read the poem. I loved it when the tomato had just been picked and was still warm from the sun. YUM! Definitely with just the right amount of salt and pepper and mayo! I want one NOW. And the pool visit brought back so many memories! I would love to win her book!
I love the way that her poetry immediately puts you in the situation she’s writing about. I can taste the tomatoes and feel the sunscreen. I would love to read the rest of her poems in this book!
The snippet about the pool took me back to the summer of 1970 in an instant!! I would love to have her book.
I do like poetry – and always have. My tastes generally go toward the more simple forms, like haiku (did I spell that right??) . I would love to win the book!
Rhoda,
I’ve always enjoyed Poetry, Nursery Rhymes & Quotes. Thank you for sharing Terri with us! Hope you’re having a nice weekend!
P.S. I believe I must have been southern in a past life, because I’m drawn to it’s rich culture.
Cathy