I love poetry.
I am especially fond of ‘found poetry’, and I mean found in all its forms… found in book titles, found in magazines, on book pages, cut out words and sentences – you name it. There is so much possible when it comes to ‘found poetry’… and this kind of poetry is also great to use on art journal pages also.
I therefore started FOUND POETRY FRIDAY – everyone is welcome to play along!
There is an “Inlinkz”-list at the end of this post. If you want to share your found poems, you are welcome to add your name to the list that will link us to your blogpost.
You can post your found poem on your own blog any time during the week, so you don’t have to make YOUR Fridays all about poetry – you just link us to the post that contains your poem. Please use the url that goes directly to you ‘found poetry post.’
Today I want to dedicate my Poetry Friday post to Joe “Spadoman” Spado – a dear friend of mine who suddenly passed away last week. I first “met” Joe on a Friday in May 2011, because that was when I joined the “Haiku My Heart” group. “Haiku My Heart” is a weekly event, hosted by Rebecca from Recuerda Mi Corazon – and Joe was part of the haiku-circle. When I started writing haiku and joined the circle, I visited his blog weekly and we almost immediately had a ‘click’… we not only visited each other’s blogs but we also started to correspond via email, and last year, we agreed to swap our work…
Now let me tell you that Joe knew a lot about Native American traditions – in my eyes he was sort of a shaman himself {sorry Joe, I know you find that too much credit – but to me you were!} and he made the most beautiful dream catchers (among other things, like snow shoes…) I really admired his work! He did not want to be called an artist though – he prefered the term ‘craftsman’… but however we called it, we decided to make something special for each other and swap our ‘work/art’… I would create a special canvas for him and he would make me a dream cather…
But Joe did not start working on the dream catcher right away – oh no… he wanted to know an awful lot about me first – as that was necessary to make the dream catcher fit, he explained… and so I received email after email, asking me what my favorite animal was. And if I had an animal totem. In one email he said “For some reason, I am feeling fire and ice for you. I don’t know why. Do you dream about water?” – to make a long story short – we exchanged quite some information about ourselves, our youth, our lifes, our dreams and our goals…. and finaly, after months, a package came in the mail.
[The haiku on this photo is written by me and I submit it to Haiku My Heart Friday – in honor of my friend Joe]
There was a letter in the package too, that said:
I was speechless when I saw this piece of art (yes, ART Joe…!!!) and by using all the symbolic materials and ways of weaving he had managed to capture me so well…
And I?
I’d send him this small canvas…
The circles contain all sorts of patterns – each pattern symbolicly picturing a different side of Joe.
The words/sentences collaged on this piece say “Whither are you journeying? Into the wide world!”
Joe loved to travel and I like to believe he is driving his motor cycle again and that he is on his way to experience the best journey ever…
I wrote a haiku – and returned to join the haiku-circle this week – in honor of Joe “Spadoman” Spado.
This week, you are welcome to share either your haiku or a found poem…
Use the InLinkz list below to leave a link to your poetry post.
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Julie Tucker-Wolek says
I am so sorry for your loss … his dream catcher is gorgeous … Brookie has a pink one in her room to ‘catch’ the bad dreams … and his letter to you is so touching … being part Native American myself … I can say that his dream catcher is a true piece of art!!
Michelle LaPoint Rydell says
Wow. What a beautiful post. Each of your artwork for the other is beautiful and special. Thanks for sharing, and I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. Hugs.
Susan Fox says
Dear Marit, How wonderful to meet and share memories of our Joe like this, the ‘circle’ remains for all time and you have expressed your connection to our dear friend so lovingly…
Best wishes my friend ~
Peace x
magicalmysticalteacher says
A tribute worth reading again and again. I am savoring each word. Thank you.
Ramesh Sood says
Marit… Absolute delight to be here.. can’t say more.. I knew Spadoman only through his generous comments..and wow..I know him more through you when he can travel anywhere.. ANYWHERE. leaving behind blessings and a lot of positive energy..
My tribute to him .here..
http://rameshsood.blogspot.in/2013/12/joy-smiloman-tribute-through-haiku.html
RS:)
Cynthia says
Marit, what a lovely tribute to your friend Joe, whom I was just beginning to get to know via his haikus and blog. I love both pieces of art you exchanged, I’m sure his dreamcatcher will be even more special to you now. I too am hoping he is flying with the eagles.
Nonnie says
what a treasure to have from such a wonderful soul!
peggy gatto says
What a special gift exchange! I loved your story too!
gloria says
This is beautiful and what a wonderful letter from Joe. Thank you.
priti.lisa says
what a wonderful way to honor Joe…
I believe he is riding his motorcycle again too 🙂
♥ ♥ ♥
Fran aka Redondowriter says
What a magnificent tribute to Joe Spado. I did not know him as you grew to know him, but now I feel I know a lot more about him. How you must cherish his dream catcher and I bet his widow cherishes your beautiful circles of life painting. I like your found poetry idea. Very busy today, but I’ll explore this more later.
Kim Mailhot says
I am so grateful to have a piece of Joe’s art as well. Craftsman perhaps, but Artist no doubt.
I know he is riding on the wind, carried by all of the love he deserves.
Beautiful tribute, My Friend, beautiful !
Hazel says
What a special relationship you and Joe had! Yes, his Dream Catcher! I remember thinking how talented he was and if I had a Dream Catcher I would place on my headboard; like in Twilight. Oh… these are special things, special moments you do not forget.
Laura Hegfield says
Such a beautiful tribute Marit. He was a fine, fine man.