Dear Wordlers,
This week’s words came from the works of Natasha Trethewey, the U. S. poet laureate. Last week, I started a Facebook page for The Sunday Whirl (see sidebar), and a few of you responded to a request for words from Trethewey’s work. All of the words were selected from her pieces found on poets.org. Check it out. The Facebook page is new, it’s not for posting work, but I’ll put the early words there, and throw out some requests for words. It will evolve with in conjunction with this space. It’s nice to see you there, and here. Get writing, post a link to your work on Mister Linky, and do some reading, too.
I’m thinking of putting a 48 hour time restriction on Mister Linky, as I often don’t make it to posts that come later in the week. Does anybody have strong feelings about this one way or the other? Thanks for your input.
See you soon,
Brenda
The Sunday Whirl 
So, here is what worries me: that you will now feel you have to visit every poem posted. That’s not fair to you and puts undue pressure on you. It might be fine over the summer but once that’s over… you might start working yourself into a 48 hour response mode. Your internal Mr. Linky should close down after that unless you are truly relaxed and want to look at more poems.
Dear dear Brenda … Since I was nursing my son long ago there has been nothing that would get me up early sometimes very early on a Sunday morning, until I found you and your magical Wordle words that whisk me away in a flash of image … Sometimes I write the night before and have them all ready to post – sometimes I write and post early on Sunday morning..and then go back to snooze …. Why do early ? To sidestep the unwarranted guilt you feel… I post early – respond to those other early birders and then respond to anyone who leaves a comment for me. You are overtaxing yourself…I have been so impressed with your attempt to visit and comment on all…my two cents worth echoes others 48limit for anyone who would like you to take a look- see …. Later than that …will have to lose that perk…you snooze you lose …you… You are a delight demonstrated by your feeling so torn about about the possibility of not getting to everyone. This site is one of the favorite parts of my week. I have finished almost every one and planning to go back to any I missed. Whatever you decide – let this site be as delight-full for you as it is for us :))))
THANK YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Pearl. I will leave them open in perpetuity. 🙂 You rock! Thanks again.
Hi Brenda Hope you are fine.Another great word set.Here’s my contribution
http://poeticocean.blogspot.com/2012/06/poem-in-response-to-brendas-wordle-60.html
Hi Brenda! I am posting mine now, but it won’t show up until 5 minutes after midnight, Tuesday morning. I’ll give you the link, but wait until Tuesday to click on it!
These words this week jumped out at me IMMEDIATE:Y! I am quite certain that what I have written is not to everyone’s taste – perhaps to very few people’s, but I couldn’t write anything else, and poured myself into it. Perhaps it is a God thing, but such things (and they do happen to me a lot) do not generally take the form it took. I have spent almost every waking moment (and there were more of those than the sleeping ones) sitting at the computer, typing, erasing, editing, typing, erasing, editing, thinking, thinking, pondering, researching, typing. Probably the time spent on this Wordle is more than the amount of time I have spent on all the others combined. Whew!
It’s a wonderful challenge, I’m glad you are leaving it open, and Happy Diamond Wordle (#60)!
http://wp.me/p15CYV-2sB
Used Corona as a name in mine. Freedom is the Crowning Glory.
https://wojisme.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/crowning-glory/
Totally inspired by these words – enough to pen two!
I love the challenge of these words but sometimes I cannot get to them in the first 48 hours(my Sundays are almost always filled with church, family and social commitments)….When I read posts I start at the last ones simply because I know they have fewer reads. Brenda, we are all busy and totally understand if you cannot get to all the links. NO PRESSURE! We are happy that you find and post the words. Thank-you for another delightful collection We appreciate you quietly even when we don’t say it or when we cannot carve out the time to read. Blessings~
Janet – you can get the words early so as to free up your Sunday! 🙂
First time here – thanks for the inspiration. (Off to bed now (night shift) will read other wordles when I rise!)
I know I just started, but wanted to say it would be nice to keep it open longer than 48 hours. I’m more of a story writer than a poetry one, and sometimes my little tales, even if they are flash fiction, will take longer than 48 hours to write. (Its 12am monday morning as I write this and I’m still not finished.)
I’m not bothered if you won’t always be able to drop by my link. I know that generally I get visited by at least everyone I visit and comment on, and thats okay by me. -smile-
I also like the no time limit option with Mr. Linky…sometimes my muse can be a bit slow. I also feel the need to apologize for adding “corona” to the word list, I’ve spent the last 24 hours smacking myself in the head for that one!
Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, Brenda! 😀
Brenda…
I’ll add my kudos for your continued commitment to keeping us going with these wordles. Love my weekly chance to give it a whirl.
I’ll also add my plea to let Mr. Linky remain open for longer than 48 hours — I already feel that it’s enough of a race to get my poem posted, without any deadlines.
As for you, as the administrator of the prompts, making your rounds…I’ll add in my suggestion that, as the list of wordlers grows, your need to limit how many blogs you visit is understandable. Another prompt site I go to, the host does a random selection of a few of the numbers and visits those sites…and will go to more if time allows. Those posting to that site are encouraged to visit at least the entry above our own.
Thanks again for all you do,
Paula
Random visits by the administrator: an excellent idea!
That’s sort of what I do…I know some folks more than others but I try to visit new comers too.
I know I can’t get to everyone, but anyone who visits me…I return the favor (maybe a day or two later…) and when I visit someone I put a link to my post so they don’t have to hunt for it.
This is one of my favorite prompt sites. I didn’t know about the time limits on some of the other prompt sites. I really can’t work like that. There is one where they give you a prompt and then you return a week later to post it. Sometimes I forget. And then it’s back to the same thing trying to read the great stuff the prompt has produced.
Thanks again Brenda, if all you did was to provide the list – that would be enough. ❤
Thank you Brenda, this is the second wordle I’ve tried from your list. Looking forward to next Sunday’s
Interesting comments and thoughts Brenda … as far as Mr.Linky goes – I think it should be up to you; I do think it’s a nice option for keeping track of who one has commented on etc. but as someone else mentioned, that’s something we could do ourselves if it comes down to that … On the other hand, if you don’t mind leaving it up and just stating that after 48 hours you might not get around to any more commenting until the next wordle, I think that’s fair also, and workable. You do work awfully hard on this and it’s a lot to expect you to comment on each and every poster, in my view. Thanks for all of that and more incidentally. I know that I for one, don’t mention enough how much I appreciate this site and all you do – and I certainly should as it is my favourite prompt!
I’m excited about the FaceBook page so will be off there next …
Oh – and about the dreaded “corona” – I somewhat bastardized the word in my poem but if I understand the rules correctly, that’s permissible in some instances, yes?
http://aleapingelephant.blogspot.ca/2012/06/black-webbed-claw.html
phew! A lot of comments. All interesting. Must get reading what people have done with this great selection of words. I do appreciate this wordle thing. Thank you Brenda for inspiring us all.
Since I was directed here by friends I have been able to post in a timely manner, but I am planning on going back in your archives and using older wordles to inspire poems. I would like to have the option to link them. Also, sometimes my muse does not work well with deadlines… Just my thoughts.
I looked at the words today and had no idea what to do with them, but my first inspired line came to me and I built a poem working in the words. I hope you all like what I did at http://hopefuljo.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/365-creativity-project-day-153/
First and foremost, I just found you and love the idea….fodder for the haiku I love to create….and, yes, I agree with the 48 hour limit for posts, as we have to move on to the next thing quickly, like good Americans do! Hope you like my post…..
I’ve had a long break from blogging; now I’m happy to be back, and I really hope I’ll be able to keep it up 🙂 Whether you go with a time restriction or not, I think it’s completely acceptable that you don’t have time to visit everyone. You’re already spending a lot of time on this project, and thank you so much for that! As someone who is just taking the very first baby steps in writing, I love the wordle challenge!
Lovely willow story. And you managed to use ‘corona’!
Brenda, thank you, as always, for the wordle words. I liked the idea of taking them from the work of our new poet laureate.
And thanks for agreeing to not limit Mr. Linky. I usually draft my poem on Saturday, after having had time to mull over the words from your Friday email, and then post my poem Sunday morning (Pacific time). But sometimes, I don’t get to it until later. And, I, like others, have missed opportunities to link to a poem I’ve written when the contribution period has closed. (This happened to me recently with Haiku Heights.)
It’s beautiful and sunny here, so I’ll be out with the family all day. I probably won’t be back to read and comment until tomorrow morning. If you visit my blog and leave me a comment, I will return the favor.
Brenda, good luck with summer school! Congrats on finishing another year.
Richard
Hello. Another new contributor here! I saw that the words seemed to be pushing me in a specific direction, so I resisted the urge and tried a whole new tack – ending up with a short monologue about a Poker player of all things!
Thanks for the words and the challenge.
http://tinyfiction.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/sunday-wordle-johnnie-the-willow/
Oh I loved this one. I thought of ‘Corona’ too, but didn’t use it.
I’m new here, and so I don’t feel I have much right to express an opinion! But I will say that I’m in it for the spontaneity. I like to take the word list, start to write, and discover what comes out. I don’t polish much before it goes up here. If it’s a worthwhile start (I’ve done flash fiction so far, and one poem I didn’t post–you can’t post twice, right?), then I’ll work on it later. Here’s this Sunday’s effort: http://gerrygwilson.com/2012/06/10/sunday-wordle-june-10/
Left us hanging! Good job with the words.
I see you’ve already figured us out, but I’ll add my penny anyway. Even with the early words, 48 hrs is too short, but there really does need to be a limit. Anyone who wants to respond to a previous week can always ask this week’s readers to take a look at that one, too.
Thank you for the words, Brenda, as always, enjoyed them. I don’t read or comment as much as I would like and should, but I think it’s nice to be able to go to any wordle at any time, and post a poem if inspiration strikes (late) or share your thoughts..
I agree with the others about Mr. Linky. I often miss the opportunity to share over at dVerse due to the time restriction of the linking. I work well with deadlines, but sometimes my poetic muse does not. 😉 And I can relate, Brenda. I’m having to lose some guilt myself, in this big cyber world. Many weeks I am only able to reciprocate those who have visited me (other than the 10 or so I have subscribed to, who come to my email inbox). As desperately as I WANT to explore new sites, and new poets, most weeks it simply just doesn’t happen. There are only so many hours in the day.
You’re awesome, and you’ve built an amazing community here. Thank you!
A Noobie,
de
Thank you always for the words and time spent, Brenda!! I will be catching up on the conversation herein the comments and on reading poetry offerings this afternoon/evening. Have fun everyone!!
Jules’ comment reflects my own feelings, but to that I add my commiseration with you. Guilt over not reading things here on the blogosphere can sometimes be a very driving force. I know that I ALWAYS try to get to at least ten from the Linky list – as well as make certain that I have read all those that read mine, but sometimes intentions far outstrip reality.
My suggestion? Leave it as it is – the flexibility is wonderful for us other readers and Wordlers – and just read the ones you get to! What else can you do? I’ll tell you what! When I post one after 48 hours, I’ll send you a link, just to make sure that you know I’ve been, once again, brilliant. . .:lol:
Thanks, Pauline. I’d appreciate the link…my own writing slips away from me. LoL
Like I said earlier. . .but I’ll have to admit that I’m beginning to like the sound – sort of alliterative in a way. . .
PAULA! 😆
I just read through all of your comments, starting at the top, moving down. I will NOT limit Mister Linky. Post on into forever. Each of you has good reasons for feeling the way you feel. Thanks for the discussion this morning. Now that my main school year is over (summer school starts tomorrow), I should have more time. Summer is upon me. Here’s to a summer full of words with friends (no, no…not the Facebook app, you all!).
Good.
Good decision! (But I was biased from the onset, of course!) Thanks, Brenda, for this magical place of inspiration and community! 🙂
Thanks Brenda! Right now, I have a broken foot so I’m spending a lot of time on a couch with my foot in the air with time to write. But, often, that isn’t the case and it takes me awhile to get my wordle written. Even if I’m at the end of the list I like to go back and read random entries. Its fun to see what others did with the words but I don’t like to peek until after I’ve written so what I read doesn’t influence where I go… if that makes sense. If you never get to my poem because I’m slow, that’s okay. I don’t expect you to read every single entry. This is supposed to be fun, right?
Brenda, please don’t restrict Mr. Linky. I read one of the loveliest poems this week that was posted late here. Here is a link to it, for those who didn’t get an opportunity to read it. By Paula Tohline Calhoun:
Wordle #59 – Muse Day Tuesday
Pamela
Thank you, Pamela. I’ll go read Pauline’s now. See? That’s one of the things I feel badly about…not making it to everyone’s work.
You’ve just got “Pauline” stuck in your brain, haven’t you? 😆
XOXO *Paula*
Pamela, thank you so much for that ping! I’ll be e-mailing to you a comment I received from a reader with an altogether different POV! 😆
Interesting set of words this week! Thanks!
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/06/sunday-whirl-60-maiden-voyage.html
This is an explanation and a more personal view of the poem ‘Journeyman Woman? that was written for Rosemary Mint’s Monday Melting #20 world list – where readers requested more…
I do not have face book. And I don’t always get to post or write within the first 48 hours. I think it is wonderful that more folks are being introduced to this wonderful and intriguing form of word list writing. While ultimately this is your site I think a brief disclaimer that not all posts are always read by you or any other poster is fine. I enjoy that I can come in at any time of the week to read or post, that is one of the reasons I kept coming back (as well as sometimes even go back to other wordles because Mr. Linky is left open endlessly). I believe I know of other sites where the ‘host’ invites response but also clearly states that they are unable to read or respond to all comments. I have read poets that I would most likely have not met anywhere else and I feel that having a time limit on and closing Mr. Linky would be like being invited to a Library and not being allowed to have a library card.
Thank you, Jules. This is a full and thoughtful explanation. You read into my words correctly…my guilt for not reading everyone posts is the driver of the idea. Guilt…such a lovely thing. I’m leaning toward leaving it open.
Guilt – So much power in on little word. While I at first thought it was an imposition – I have taken what I have learned from other posters…when you make a visit, leave your link if you want a return visit. While I hope no one feels obligated – it does make it easier. Mr. Linky sort of allows us to keep track of who we have visited. However to appease my own ‘guilt’ and to help me remember, I’ve started a notebook and list who I visit and who has visited me to help me remember not to forget the kindness of others.
I only frequent a couple of favorite ‘prompts’ I just can’t keep up with them all. 🙂
I didn’t remember that we had a Willow among the wordlers, so my use of Willow was not meant as a reflection either.
As for the Mr. Linky restriction, I’m torn. I also can’t always make it back later in the week to read, although I try. However, there have been weeks when I didn’t post my poem until later, and I was glad to be able to Linky it even though several days had passed.
Hi Brenda, you must do whatever you feel comfortable doing with this blog. Maybe you ought to leave the link as available all week but put something permanent (rules of participating) on the sidebar to state that you personally cannot get round to reading everyone after 48 hours? I don’t know but, being as busy as you are, it seems fair to me. After I post I do return to read people who post the same day and maybe sometimes the next day but after that, I don’t.
Have a good Sunday everyone.
Ok Brenda… I was not awake when I posted my comment earlier. So please delete. I should be sure to not comment before 7AM from now on!!!
Anyway- thank you for these words this week -these words were a perfect catalyst for writing about my love of the willow tree. Thank you!
I am very exited about your facebook page and not sure about the Linky time limit.
I know you’re so busy, Brenda. I’m just grateful you provide this opportunity for us. Whatever you decide is fine with me.
Why would the fact that you don’t get to later posts make you deprive the rest of us of the pleasure of reading them and, should we need time for a particular poem, to post them? Please, dear Brenda, do not restrict Mr. Linky. You can say, every three or four months, that you can’t get to the later poems to comment but that you hope people will still post and read.
I know where you all live, roughly. Some of you get up way too early. See you later in the week when I come back to read and comment.
Hee hee! Good comment Margo.
You asked for comments about Mr. Linky. Here’s mine: Please don’t limit the time when someone may link.
Like fruit, poems need time to ripen. I venture to guess that the work posted later in the week, even if no one reads it, is far more savory than work that is hurriedly posted as soon as the linky thingy is open shortly after midnight on Sunday morning.
Good morning, Brenda!
Regarding your 48 hour time restriction question:
This is ultimately your blog and you must do what is most comfortable/convenient for you. I stand in awe that you have managed it so beautifully, with your incredibly busy life. A 48 hour time restriction works for me. If I miss the 48 hour limit, I can still post my poem on my blog and others are free to stop by and comment.
Or
Perhaps you could make it known that you cannot comment on submissions after 48 hours, due to time constraints.
Good luck with your decision and many thanks for providing this amazing place for writers to gather and share!
Brenda, my name went up twice and the first time was a mistake. Could you delete that first one please? I don’t care to see a limit set on Mr. Linky. I like the idea that he’s up there all week and some of us simply are not as fast as we used to be.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/you-never-forget-that-first-time/
Please don’t put a 48 hour limit on Mr Linky, Barbara – I often miss the deadline on dVerse Poets, and it’s frustrating in the extreme to have written the poem and not be able to add it to the collection! I haven’t written today’s yet! Not even started.
A quick bit of flash fiction for a change.
I used Willow as a name in my piece, with no reflection of our wordler Willow intended. These words were fun for me, even though my piece is dark. It is written to be read aloud. It’s off to bed now, I’ll be up with coffee to make my rounds.