Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author Elizabeth Merry and a review
Posted: April 17, 2021 Filed under: Uncategorized 47 Comments
Today, I am delighted to introduce you to author and poet, Elizabeth Merry. I came across Elizabeth’s poetry and writing quite recently and was bowled over by her powerful words and messages.
Welcome Elizabeth
First, I would like to send a million thanks to Robbie Cheadle for this opportunity; it is much appreciated.
My favourite poem from my own collection is The Red Petticoat, which I wrote for my mother. When I was very young, anyone with relations in America was always on the lookout for parcels. Besides the red petticoat I remember winter coats for my sister and myself. Mine was grey and red check and hers was chocolate brown with pompoms – I was so jealous of those pompoms! Well, here is the poem:
THE RED PETTICOAT
I remember the rustle
Of the red, exotic petticoat
The pick of a parcel
From America
Delight crackled in her hair
Exploded in a sudden flush
On her alabaster skin
The lighthouse sweep and beam
Of her glad eyes
Lit us all, haloed the room
Where we stood in a row
To admire
Long left that room, that house
The woman has gathered her years
Carefully, tucked them primly away
Scented and folded neatly
Facing the rest
With a lifted chin
A grin and a new hat
The glow of the red petticoat
About her still.
I don’t favour any particular genre, although when I read through the collection it seems that most of them are about my own life – I’m sure that says something about me – not too complimentary! However, I do have a love for writing haikus, especially when I’m out walking along the river, counting syllables under my breath! And as opposed to the poems, the haikus are generally about nature, the river itself, and all the trees and plants along its banks. I’m lucky to have many lovely walks right beside where I live.
Sometimes it takes a long time to write a poem; it arrives in separate words and phrases on different days, weeks, months even. Other times it appears almost complete and all at once; you hardly have to work on it, just write it down.
For my own reading pleasure I appreciate poems that I can understand. At school (a long time ago) we were taught how to interpret poems; the teachers explaining what the poet meant, and what he (it was always a “he” in those days) was referring to – it could be something from Greek or Roman mythology. Just because a poem is easy to understand doesn’t mean it isn’t clever or wonderful. My favourite poem is one of Séamus Heaney’s which illustrates exactly what I mean. Here it is:
DIGGING
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.
Under my window, a clean rasping sound
When the spade sinks into gravelly ground;
My father, digging. I look down
Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds
Bends low, comes up twenty years away
Stooping in rhythm through potato drills
Where he was digging.
The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft
Against the inside knee was levered firmly.
He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep
To scatter new potatoes that we picked,
Loving their cool hardness in our hands.
By God, the old man could handle a spade.
Just like his old man.
My grandfather cut more turf in a day
Than any other man on Toner’s bog.
Once I carried him milk in a bottle
Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up
To drink it, then fell to right away
Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods
Over his shoulder, going down and down
For the good turf. Digging.
The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap
Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge
Through living roots awaken in my head.
But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I’ll dig with it.
Isn’t that sublime? Although some of Heaney’s poems are extremely long and convoluted and steeped in the classics of Irish and European tradition, the poems in this, his first, collection, are accessible to anyone, and are filled with a sort of magic. Death of a Naturalist was published in 1966. Heaney received the Nobel Prize in 1995. Again I would like to thank Robbie for this opportunity I have enjoyed the experience very much.
Minus One: With Haikus and Other Poems: The Story of a Life by Elizabeth Merry
What Amazon says
This collection sums up the life of the poet. It begins with memories of her parents, in The Red Petticoat: “The lighthouse sweep and beam/Of her glad eyes/Lit us all, haloed the room/Where we stood in a row/To admire.” And in Minus One: “Your absence grips my throat/Chokes my breath . . . How much of you is me/Stretching to close the circle?” Other poems cover growing up and speak of friends and lovers, moving forward to parenthood and beyond, to old age in Bones: “Don’t look too close/Disintegration has begun/And death will lend it speed/Until my bones are bare and/Waiting for the second coming . . . ” And to death in Mortality: “Tombstones/Pale and cold/Line up, waiting/For my name . . . ” Throughout the collection there are sections of Haikus, many with accompanying photographs: “Child of my child, I/scoop you up and hug you, breathe/you in and keep you.” References to the sea and the harbour move through this collection, lending a special atmosphere. These poems are filled with the many emotions of our lives and will appeal to all of us.
My review
This is a beautiful collection of poetry about the life of the poet including both great moments and sad moments. The poetry comprises of freestyle poems and some lovely and moving haikus which are accompanied by beautiful photographs.
I have not as yet lost anyone very close to me so the first poem Minus One was very compelling for me. I could imagine the pain of loss in these words:
“My magic circle broken
Minus one
The first one
To close his eyes”
The rest of this poem brought tears to my eyes.
The small dark man was quite a frightening poem. A tale of a man who has become bitter and angry due to life burdens. He has lost his way and turned to alcohol for solace. Such a disappointment for his children who remember better days. A few compelling lines:
“We waited – wary
His face shut tight against us
Like a fist”
There is a sense of loss but joy in memory in the poem In a Yellow Dress:
“If I could put you
In a frame
And freeze forever
Those wanton curls”
My favourite haiku in this collection reminds me of my own sons when they were little … and even now that they are big lads. There is nothing more emotional than your child or, I imagine, you grandchild:
“Child of my child, I
scoop you up and hug you, breathe
you in and keep you”
Purchase Minus One: With Haikus and Other Poems: The Story of a Life by Elizabeth Merry
New Children’s books by Elizabeth Merry
Elizabeth has just released two new books for middle school children.
Ghosts in Trouble
Blurb
Lizzie blamed Cormac. Stealing the silver tea-set was all his idea, and now they can’t get into heaven until it’s returned to Old Whelan. They need help, but who can they turn to?
“I’ve just thought, Cormac. That awful cousin of yours, Imelda. The house is hers now. Hers and poor Dermot’s and those noisy twins, David and Dora.”
Might it be possible for them to make friends with the twins?
“Lizzie stopped short as the front door was suddenly thrown open and in rushed the cold, night air, followed by two large children who tripped over the boxes in the hall and fell down laughing.”
Things get even more complicated when the villain, John the Pots, gets involved. He wants the tea-set for himself; he could sell it for a lot of money.
“Someone moved in the dark. Someone who peered and moved, his eyes raking the house and garden . . . “
All seems lost until Cormac and Lizzie meet Jamesy, an old ghost who knows a lot, and has an idea, but will it work . . .
Felix finds out
Blurb
Hennessy is the school caretaker. He is also a devious thief and a bully. Felix is ten years old, a quiet boy, and small for his age. How is he to find out what Hennessy is up to? ‘Felix wondered where Hennessy was. As he thought of the tall figure in the heavy anorak, his mouth went suddenly dry, his heart leaping and banging, his whole face squeezed up with frowns.’But when a new girl arrives at the school, Felix watches her closely; this could change everything. She might suit as an accomplice.'”Hello, I’m Samantha. Is your name really Felix? That’s a good name, I think.”‘Can Felix and his new friend find out what Hennessy is up to, and save Uncle Eddie’s job? Samantha has a plan!
Writing to be Read 
Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
Today, I am featuring poet and author, Elizabeth Merry, as my Treasuring Poetry guest. Elizabeth has shared her favourite poems and thoughts about poetry and I have shared my review of her lovely poetry book, Minus One. Thank you Kaye Lynne Booth for hosting us today.
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Thanks for introducing us to Elizabeth and her poetry, Robbie. I enjoyed learning the background behind The Red Petticoat.
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Hi Jill, thanks for visiting. I really enjoyed that particular poem and was pleased to learn its history.
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I have Minus One and am looking forward to reading it! What a treat to hear (and see!) Elizabeth read “The Red Petticoat.” It’s a wonderful poem. And I can appreciate why she chose Séamus Heaney’s “Digging” as her favorite poem; I’d read it before, and it had a similar effect on me.
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Hi Liz, thank you for visiting. I am always fascinated by poet’s choices of their own favourite poem and their favourite work by another poet. I always learn so much. My own current favourite poem is unwaveringly The Listeners by Walter de la Mare but my choice does change from time to time.
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With other poets, it is hard to choose a favorite poem when I keep reading new poems that I love! As of right now, my favorite poem is “Now He’s an Etching” by Patricia Smith, which I discovered this year.
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Ah, this one is new to me. I shall go and look it up on YouTube now. I like listening to poems.
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I see she has a number of poetry recitals on YouTube, Liz. Thanks for the introduction.
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You’re most welcome, Robbie!
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Thank you for introducing a great poetess and author, Robbie! I am following Elisabeth Merry since some times, and her poems are fantastic. I will put “Minus One” on my TBR, and the children book advice our parents here. Have all a beautiful weekend! Michael
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My pleasure, Michael. I am very pleased I met Elizabeth through Sally Cronin’s blog. I also think her poems are fantastic. Happy Saturday, Michael.
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Me too, Robbie! Thank you very much for remembering too. Sally is a gem. Without her i would not know anything about new books, poetry, and whats going on. Have also a lovely Saturday, Robbie! Please stay save, because here our government is spreading a fear of the virus similar to a Hollywood blockbuster. Michael
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Hi Michael, our government and my fellow countrymen have decided not to worry unduly about the virus. We must wear masks and use sanitizer but other than that it is business as usual. I hope you also stay safe. The virus seems quite serious in certain places, including India and Brazil.
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A good attitude, because we can’t do much ,besides protecting ourselves, Robbie! Here they are slowly going crazy. It’s bad with India and Brazil. But possibly these are again different virus mutations. xx
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I love that poem–Red Petticoat. I love older people who still dress up, want to look good. I used to have a dance studio. My oldest student was over 90 and she always came to her lessons dressed beautifully. So wonderful.
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There were a number of poems that stood out for me in this collection, Jacqui, and Red Petticoat was one. I actually red it on Elizabeth’s blog and it inspired me to buy her book. How interesting that you had a dance studio, what fun. Terence and I took ballroom dancing lessons for a long time and enjoyed it.
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That’s what I taught–Tango, Samba, all the great ones! I’m glad you enjoyed the lessons.
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Thank you, Robbie, for introducing me to this woman of words, Her works are thought-provoking and stir the emotions as does life itself.
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Hi Annette, I am thrilled I could introduce you to Elizabeth. You are both such talented poets and will appreciate each others lovely words. Have a great weekend, Annette.
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I enjoyed hearing Elizabeth reading her poem “Red Petticoat,” As an American, I am fascinated that other families would look forward to parcels from the States. So sweet!
And she has the perfect name for a poet, especially appropriate for writing haikus, my favorite form.
Thanks, Robbie! I will tweet this.
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Hi Marian, I am so pleased you enjoyed Elizabeth’s recital. I enjoyed it very much too. Her book is really lovely and many of her poems touched me deeply. Thanks for sharing and have a great day.
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Robbie, I am thrilled and grateful for this post. You are very kind. It is much appreciated. And thanks to all of you who left such positive comments. I find them very encouraging. Especially as it’s my birthday today! Don’t ask; I’ve been here for a long time!
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Hi Elizabeth, thank you for being a wonderful guest. Your poetry is delightful and I am pleased to have an opportunity to share your book with other poetry lovers.
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I hope you are having a lovely birthday.
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Yes, thanks, Robbie.
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Nice to see Elizabeth here. I’ve read and enjoyed Minus One – lovely poetry about life. Wishing her great success. Thank you for sharing your review Robbie and picking up some wonderful verses from her book. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Thank you, Balroop. I was delighted to meet Elizabeth via Sally’s blog and discover her lovely poetry. I hope you also have a super weekend.
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I don’t think I’ll forget the line about the “lighthouse sweep of her eyes” (sic). See, I’ve forgotten it already. Never mind. I love Elizabeth’s poetry. And the Heany? Fogget about it!
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Hi Art, great to see you. Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. Have a lovely Sunday.
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I have always loved and appreciated poetry. Poets work so hard to make every word count. I try to figure out the meaning but I think it can vary based on the reader. Poetry speaks to us on a different level. This is a wonderful post.
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Hi Dan, thank you for adding your thoughts about poetry. I agree the interpretation of poetry is very personal. Most poets express deep and complex thoughts in the few words allowed by a poem and I really like that.
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I am always impressed. I think it’s why I enjoy reading it. It’s like fine craftsmanship.
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I so enjoyed this introduction to Elizabeth’s poetry – what a lovely discovery. Toni x
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Hi Toni, I love the way these discussions evolve. Poetry is so interesting and meaningful.
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A lovely post Robbie and Elizabeth and thanks Kaye Lynne for hosting.. I enjoyed the collection Minus One and I am looking forward to adding Elizabeth’s children’s books to the Reading Room.. thanks ladies…xx
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Hi Sally, Thank you for adding your endorsement here. I met Elizabeth through your blog and I’m very pleased I did. I look forward to seeing Elizabeth’s books in the Reading Room and I will read one soon.
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Fantastic thanks Robbie.. enjoy your week..hugsx
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I loved digging – it was so apt and quite delightful. I shared the article because I think it’s great what an interesting and versatile writer. My best wishes to Elizabeth Merry.
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Hi Barbara, thank you for sharing. Elizabeth writes lovely poetry.
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I like how she takes ordinary moments and fills them with emotion. (K)
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Hi Kerfe, I liked that too. Seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Have a great new week.
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[…] You can read the latest Treasuring Poetry post here: https://writingtoberead.com/2021/04/17/treasuring-poetry-meet-poet-and-author-elizabeth-merry-and-a-… […]
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So wonderful to see Elizabeth here. I love her writing in general and enjoyed her collection Minus One. Great review, Robbie. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynee.
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Thanks for visiting and commenting, Diana. 🙂
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Hi Diana, I remember your review of Minus One. Elizabeth has a lot of talent.
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She sure does. 🙂
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[…] Read, hosted by Kaye Lynne Booth and myself. You can read the latest Treasuring Poetry post here: https://writingtoberead.com/2021/04/17/treasuring-poetry-meet-poet-and-author-elizabeth-merry-and-a-… Blurb A collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the […]
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