That 'familiar daily struggle'

 

“If someone is alone reading my poems, I hope it would be like reading someone's notebook. A record. Of a place, beauty, difficulty. A familiar daily struggle.” – Fanny Howe

 

Born in Buffalo, NY on Oct. 15, 1940 Howe is a recipient of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, presented by the Poetry Foundation to a living U.S. poet for lifetime achievement.   One of America’s “most read” experimental poets.  Also a prolific novelist, she has authored more than 30 books of poetry and prose. 

 

For Saturday’s Poem, here is Howe’s,                 

Footsteps

I have never arrived
into a new life yet.

Have you?

Do you find the squeak
of boots on snow

excruciating?

Have you heard people
say, It wasn't me,

when they accomplished
a great feat?

I have, often.
But rarely.

•

Possibility
is one of the elements.
It keeps things going.

The ferry
with its ratty engine
and exactitude at chugging
into blocks and chains.

Returning as ever
to mother's house
under a salty rain.

 

(Poetry 2011)