Kortney, this gave me such a soft landing today. I love how gently this piece threads ritual into creativity—not as performance, but as presence. The simplicity of Charlotte’s candle + breath + poem ritual feels like a kind of poetic liturgy. And the fact that your chapbook became part of that sacred rhythm? That gave me chills. Thank you for this reminder that the work—and the way we arrive to it—matters. I’ll be borrowing that ritual.
So glad that you are taking the poetry ritual along for your journey! I often think *ritual* needs to be complicated in order to be effective. But even the simple way you presented it--candle + breath + poem--really makes the essentials clear.
William Stafford says that titles should be like handing a hot cup of coffee to a friend--the title is the handle facing toward them that they can grab.
Titles come so slowly for me and are often the last bit of editing that happens. In fact yesterday I brainstormed a bunch of possible titles for a poem. This morning's work was to choose one! And then tomorrow I'll see if it's still working!
Kortney, this gave me such a soft landing today. I love how gently this piece threads ritual into creativity—not as performance, but as presence. The simplicity of Charlotte’s candle + breath + poem ritual feels like a kind of poetic liturgy. And the fact that your chapbook became part of that sacred rhythm? That gave me chills. Thank you for this reminder that the work—and the way we arrive to it—matters. I’ll be borrowing that ritual.
So glad that you are taking the poetry ritual along for your journey! I often think *ritual* needs to be complicated in order to be effective. But even the simple way you presented it--candle + breath + poem--really makes the essentials clear.
So glad to have your writing here Kortney! This is just the spiritual practice I needed today 💙
I was subscribed to tons of substacks, but only reading via email....didn't know this little corner of the internet existed!
I love how your titles add a layer of meaning to the words.
I wholeheartedly agree! Kortney has such a way with poem titles.
Wow! Thank you!
William Stafford says that titles should be like handing a hot cup of coffee to a friend--the title is the handle facing toward them that they can grab.
Titles come so slowly for me and are often the last bit of editing that happens. In fact yesterday I brainstormed a bunch of possible titles for a poem. This morning's work was to choose one! And then tomorrow I'll see if it's still working!
Thank you so much, Ann. Still getting my sea legs here on Substack! It's been such a pleasure to journey with you through the micro seasons.
I sure have fun in my little niche with kind readers like you, Kortney. I know you’ll make a good nest here, too. 🪺