Welcome to Poem Elf, a blog of poems released from books and sent out into the world. I post (in a real, not virtual, sense) copies of poems I like in public spaces, take pictures and post (virtually this time) the result.
Poem Elf was born out of two inclinations: I like poems and I like secret tricks. The mystery of a poem and elfin mischief come together as I loiter about until I can post these poems in secret around my mid-western city and wherever else I may be.
I am neither a poet nor a scholar. My tastes are pretty simple. I like poems I can comprehend on the first reading and understand over a lifetime. These posted poems are intended for everyone, not just for those few who own a shelf’s length of chapbooks, but also for those who last read a poem on a graduation card.
And what happens to each poem after I leave? Perhaps it lands in a trashcan, pulled down from a wall by an amused janitor; or it’s blown away from its scotch tape fastenings, picked up by a bird, and woven expertly into a nest; or raked into a leaf pile and composted, helping things grow in a different way than I had intended; or shoved in a back pocket, forgotten, and balled up in the wash; or, my best hope, tucked in a stranger’s wallet, pulled out from time to time, each reading bringing an expansion of sorts, each reading taken in like a drink to quench the deep thirst we all have for meaning and beauty.
I would love to post some of the blogs to our facebook.. the photos and poems, mixed with your thoughts of lovely and colorful! Think about it..motherscenterbb on facebook
I love this!
Dear Poem Elf,
Your sister, Ceci, sent your blog to her book club. I am so happy that she did. I thoroughly enjoy the poems you choose and the insights you share. And your real world postings make me smile.
Mary Ann
Okay Poem Elf – you must publish these into a book. I love the poems and your analysis and personal stories – really touching and beautiful. That part about your mom and her memories of your dad – made me cry!
I LOVE THE POEM ELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a wonderful idea! I love it and I love your writing and of course the poems…. Much needed in the world today and what a blessing to find one of these poems taped up somewhere unexpected. Beautiful and good work!
Your old friend from Bethesda, Peaches
i tried to send this a few times, let me try again:
i am hooked on your site. i love how you take the poem physically and mentally out of the book; pasting it up somewhere and then your own ruminations. lynn
this continues to be utterly delightful! love the petoskey/bay view photographs, and the way you have used the poems with them. really fresh, thought provoking….lynn
Just discovered your site. What a fun idea!!
thanks, I like your site too. How cool to blog with your husband of 40 years!
What a lovely way to spread elfish goodness! Love your site. Your header picture of the little elf is a swooner.
thanks, granny! (though you hardly look old enough to be one) I’m enjoying your site too….it’s like a big fun drawer full of things to look at and play with.
You’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award
https://clsostarich.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/versatile-blogger-award/
thanks! I don’t really know what this is, but thank you!
I loved your “Flush with Joy” posting, and decided to go to Idiot Books as the back of my toilet sports only rocks and a dead orchid. I bought a few things (OK, quite a few things) and received the following email:
Well Hello, Janet!
Thank YOU. If you don’t mind my asking, who are you, and what in the world inspired you to send us so much of your money?
We’re pleased, of course, but entirely baffled.
These books will go in tomorrow’s mail.
Thanks again!
Matthew
To which I replied:
Hello — and what a charming email. I subscribe to the Poem Elf, and I read over your website (as she suggested), and was as intrigued as she suggested I would be. My nephew and his wife are about to have twins so the baby book (one of them) is for them. Do read the Poem Elf today.
Now I am inspired to buy even more of their books — after all, how often is one personally thanked by an on-line store?
Janet Rae
Gee, how many of us have rocks and a dead orchid? They looked so pretty once….glad you’ve found Idiots’ Books–you’ll love them!