Have ever read a Hemingway poem?

Question

I posted a Q this morning asking how  you poets find your ideas. I wondered if we had similar techniques.  I asked because of a poem I wrote.  A very simple one, no biggy, but one of my favorites.   One of those that just comes to ya and goesssss.


Down in Michigan

Hemingway wrote a short story titled, “Up in Michigan.”  I have wanted to write a poem and title it Down in Michigan, so I did.  A simple poem.

He had river, a dock, some fish, a woman, silence, (just like in all of his stories, right?).
I had creek, dock, fish, a silent woman, a man, and quiet.
Those are the only similarities.

Once, my late husband and I drove to visit his mother.  Along the way we stopped by a river and had a glass of Sauternes. There was no dock, we sat on the ground.   I didn’t see any fish, we didn’t eat cheese, crackers, or apples.  There were no chatty leaves, just us chatting.

My poem is based a tad of truth with a whole lot of fiction.  And that is how I wrote my last poem.  It was all about the poem.  Remember when Buc asked if it’s all about the poem.  This was all about the poem..

I don’t know how to link it, but if someone wants to tell me, I will.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Thank you, ma.

I missed this one, if it was posted previously.

The poem is alive.

- · Answer

Here it is, luv, they won't let me link it, error 999, but it deserves to be read again with this additional insight.

Down in Michigan

He remembered when 
they drove to Paint Creek,
and sat on a blanket
and drank Sauternes
and ate cheese and crackers
and apple slices.
On the dock.
On the dock,
where she sat and he kneeled
while fish circled underneath,
searching for crumbs.
So quiet, but for
the clink of their glasses
and rippling waters moving
from the falls.
So quiet,
but for waving 
branches and chattering leaves
and romantic whispers.
So quiet.



hugs,
ma

Anonymous · Answer

I have that in a book of his short stories ... packed away and thankfully rescued from the trash bin. 

I don't remember reading it though.

Anywhoooo
That's a great way to get inspiration. Like the last poem I posted today - it was inspired by like 1 line in one of Mek's poems. Other writers inspire me a lot. As a matter of fact, somewhere around here I have a few verses I wrote regarding Hemingway's Hills Like White Elephants. (My favorite.)

So thanks for sharing.

Thanks Ma - that's a great poem Dah - nice to know what inspired it.

Anonymous · Answer

Your over simplifying Hemingway first off (even in this "poetry" form). His dialogue was short and quick, that was one of his specialties yes (as opposed to Mailer or Faulkner who could have characters talk for hours), however, I'm not sure how this equates to "poetry". Sorry, I'll pass. Cheers.

? · Answer

Very intellectually stimulating read. Not just your write but the whole dialogue you present here. Thank you!

*Jellz* · Answer

You entered it in the Mars Contest for February. I thought I'd seen it somewhere.

Joe K · Answer

me have read your poem, "Down in Michigan", and it is so beautiful.
Hemingway's "The old man and the sea" is very inspiring.
thanks, ma!

allen · Answer

Excellent.It shows the reality of life and teaches us a lesson of morality.God bless you

Semp-listic! · Answer

No, I haven't.  I was inspired by Langston Hughes.

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Have ever read a Hemingway poem?

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