One Man's Trash ...

Behind my art table, tucked in a grocery bag, I found them— no longer needed, but still holding the memory of the object they protected. Several cardboard tubes, once holding Christmas wrap, and five unique packaging pieces made of egg carton material. Most people would have discarded them without a thought. For at least a year, they sat waiting in a grocery bag, waiting for their next role.

But, moved by their form and texture, I paused. Imagination stirred. These unvalued pieces of packing seemed too unique to throw away.

Realizing my stash was overflowing. I finally set a goal to recycle the abundance of things I had collected. I grabbed the grocery bag and began pulling them out.

But something made me stop.

I wondered if someone in my family could use them for a Halloween costume? A robot, perhaps? Or a local art teacher as material for a student's collage? Maybe offer them free on a local website...surely someone else would see the value in them,

The more I held them and brainstormed, the more I fell back in love with them. As my finger felt the texture again, tracing each bump and valley, ideas stirred. I grabbed a sheet of foam board, some old burlap, and began playing. Quicker than I thought, an idea came together.

Before I got the glue gun heating, I started thinking of how these cardboard pieces were found and how they were almost lost to the recycle bin. The poem for this yet-to-be artwork began to pour out.

Don't you love it when that happens? Here is the poem, just in time for Poetry Friday!

Everything has value, even things we think are trash can become beautiful works of art.

Follow me on FB @cathystenquist to see how this project unfolds. Can't wait to get started!

FYI- and If you're in the area today, 9/27/25, I will be reading my poem, "The Stirring," at the TRUE GRIT GALLERY in Middleborough around 2:15 pm. Come check out the poems that won and the art created from their inspiration.

38 Center Street Middleborough, MA 02346

And be sure to check out this week's Poetry Friday Round-up at: The Poem Farm, with host, Amy Ludwig VanDerwater for an assortment of lovely words to brighten your day!

Perspective

Forty-four years ago, I looked into the eyes of my beloved, and said "I do" to everything; the known, the unknown, the laughter, the tears, the challenges, the sorrows, the celebrations, the worry, the pain, the joy.

It was a dream come true for a young girl now grown, that had started years ago, listening to the love stories of ...

my parents...

...whose nuptials made the society pages of the Chicago Tribune.

and my grandparents. I loved the bouquet of Lily of the Valley. How divinely that must have smelled!

I imagined my wedding day— had it fully scripted out. After a glorious wedding, we would take off to some tropical place without a worry in the world, just my beloved and I. After a week or two, return to our sweet little apartment and begin our life together.

But sometimes, life has other plans.

I spent the ride over consoling and reassuring my father, who was unusually "misty."I remember just the two of us behind the church doors, my hand holding tight onto his left arm and thinking I couldn't wait for them to open.

The wedding was indeed glorious. I was as content, peaceful and happy as I had ever imagined, with each promise made.

Our reception went well with plenty of friends and family, and joy. I especially love this photo, L-R: My father-in-law Ralph, my mother, Nancy, and my Uncle Don. I wish I knew what had been said and what brought on the laughter.

But sadly, my father-in-law passed away that evening from a massive heart attack. We spent our wedding night in the emergency room, and then mourning with family till late in the evening. Our honeymoon turned into a memorial service.

I recently wrote a poem about the deep emotions I felt, waking up the next morning.

While this chapter of our love story brought forth the promise of sharing sorrow and grief way sooner than I expected....

The lesson of "the repetition of gray melting to yellow," the hopefulness of life going on, that broken hearts do heal, stays with me always. With every Good Friday we have endured, there has always been "an Easter," though it may have taken some time for us to see it.

My greatest gift from September 19th, was beginning my life with such an amazing man. I am still in awe that he loved me, chose me, and saw in me things I couldn't see in myself. I have been a better daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and grandmother because of his love.

Happy anniversary, my love!

Happy Poetry Friday, everyone.

Check out the round-up at Jama's lovely site.

You'll find some fun to read alphabet-inspired poems to share with your kids.

Sticking My Neck Out

Throwing your hat in the ring takes courage and it often feels quite vulnerable to do so. But as they say, a turtle never gets anywhere without sticking its neck out.

In July, I came across a local art gallery that was seeking poetry submissions. My ears perked up. They would be choosing 5 inspiring poems, which would be assigned to 60 visual artists through a random lottery process. The artists would then create original visual art based on the poems. How cool is that?

I read on and was further inspired by their mission statement on poetry.

True Grit Art Gallery's beautiful statement about poetry.

The opportunity to see artists interpret my words was too tempting. I scrolled through my files and found three I loved. I stuck my neck out.... and submitted them.

I have posted one below:

Unfortunately, none of my poems were chosen.

But, They are offering a nice consolation prize. All poets who submitted, are invited to the closing celebration on September 27th to read their work out loud.

I think I may attend. It will be so cool to see the five poems chosen and how their words were interpreted in the different styles of art. And, it would be one of my first chances to read my poetry out loud to a group of people. Good practice!

 If you're in the area, I hope you will check out the exhibit. And please join me on Saturday , September 27th for their closing celebration to hear one of my poems and see the inspiring art.

Check out Poetry Friday's host this week: Rose Capelli at Imagine the Possibilities. and enjoy Her lovely poem inspired by poet Mary Oliver. I love nature poems!