Dear Guests, Welcome to my blog which I treat like a creative garden where I regularly plant and change this and that be it poetry, philosophy, an Oboe Brilliance lesson, an essay of some kind, or a journal about composing. Visit every Monday for oboe coaching which is also helpful for many melodic instrumentalists. Musically yours, Kathryn

"How do you compose?" That is the most commonly asked question I hear.
This blog is a window into my creative process and philosophies as a composer and instrumentalist. At times it may contain music, photos, and poetry as well. May you enjoy, return, and benefit!

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4

poetic process and thoughts about poetry

Dear Guests,

Last Friday, I posted a poem I wrote that morning titled "Save the moon". Since then, I've had significant changes in my thoughts about poetry (and music) thanks to the influence of Diana Manister's poem "Hubble" which I heard Friday evening via her link on her facebook page. Long story short, and I'll get to the long story in another blog - stay tuned - : ) I've taken the leap to devote myself to poetry with as much passion as music. Before last Friday, it was a simply hobby which I shared on my blog for fun, where as, music has been all my training, student focus and professional focus.

I now feel like composing music is one of my feet and poetry is my other foot, so I'm working towards walking equally on both feet, not limping/favoring my composer foot. BUT, my poetic skills aren't nearly up to par with my composing skills, so in the spirit of fun, learning, and sharing, I'm posting my poetic process and development here on my blog for anyone interested in my poetic journey. I just know I'll be writing about this regularly - weekly, for what it's worth to whom ever.

Although I've been a seriously devoted classical musician since 1972 and have learned a lot, and had the privelege to study with some of the most brilliant musicians in the late 20th century, I feel like this journey has only recently begun. There is no finish line, no end. I love that. So, I realize that my poetic journey is a path an octave from my composing, a parallel path, a complimentary path, a sister path, my twin! and I'm looking forward to an equally interesting, and never ending pilgrimage with this discipline as well.

Here is my latest version as a result of editing that I did this morning. You can compare to my "Save the Moon" blog from last month, just scroll and you'll find it, or click on October 2009 and go to that specific blog.

Save the moon

Amidst distant stars
invisible water
indifferent air
passing traffic
and weightless feet

she descends

no echoing in her breast
no flicker in her eyes
no witness to torn clothing, caked blood or purpling chest

save the moon

with her deafening flag

now mermaids hear new silent tides
of tiny poles pierced dusty nights

and meteor showers
dark and bright

forgotten secrets craters born

© Kathryn Potter 2009

Okay, so that's where this poem stands today.
I will be writing more poems and sharing the process on line with them as well. Also, I'll share thoughts about poetry I read and what I'm thinking about as I go along more or less.

Now, I need to get back to my piece for full orchestra. A lot of percussion writing awaits! Thanks for visiting.

Musically (and poetically) yours,
Kathryn