Slice of Life Post: 8:44-9:45 a.m. by Barb Edler

Saturday mornings for me are generally filled with the “catch-up” list of things to do which is my plan during this slice of time today. This afternoon is part two of our “Battle Against the Bars” euchre tournament. Joedees from Ft. Madison won by a close margin last week so this week our team needs to do a whole lot better. This tournament lasts for several hours so I must use the most of this morning because once I leave “my getting anything done” is over.

One of my volunteer responsibilities is to record the minutes for the Iowa Poetry Association. We meet on zoom several times throughout the year. IPA is a fantastic organization that plans several events both live and via zoom. I’ve learned a lot from being a part of this organization.

Each year the Iowa Poetry Association hosts a contest, Lyrical Iowa. I’ve been fortunate to have had a few poems published in these publications although I’ve never received above an honorable mention award. Poets can only win in one category and sometimes a poem might be selected for the publication if it is in the top twenty percent of the judge’s selection. Last year I had a free verse poem for the Lucille Morgan Wilson Award category which I’ll share at the end of the post.

Last Monday night we met via zoom. I was 30 minutes late. I do not know what was wrong with me, but I swear I saw something about meeting at 7. Due to my failure to show up on time, I had to watch the recording to complete the minutes. This is one of my Saturday mornings “get it done” items and because I had to watch the recording, I am slower than usual with providing the minutes to the gruop.

One of the main topics for the meeting was the upcoming Poetry Palooza event. This is held in Des Moines and is a fantastic opportunity for people to meet poets and attend generative writing workshops. April 4th kicks off the event with several poets sharing their work on Friday evening. Saturday offers workshops, an open mic and poetry slam. If you live in Iowa, you should seriously consider attending because it is absolutely free!

Now to finish those minutes……!

We Do Not Speak

we learn early
from mother’s warning glances
father’s furrowed brow
society’s pointing fingers
to button our lips

shamed, we swallow razor-
sharp pain, suffocate trauma
hide bruises and scars

between layers of innuendo
What was she wearing?
He always seemed like such a nice boy.
Why did she come forward now?
women bleed

we learn early
and late
the weight of silence