Poem 7: Leaning into the afternoon I cast my saddened nets

 Leaning into the Afternoons by Pablo Neruda is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures 

the essence of life, love and the passage of time.  Written in 1924, the poem remains a timeless

masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a reflection on the simple

pleasures of life, such as feeling the sun on your face, watching the wind play with the leaves,

and listening to the song of birds. It is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and the way it

can bring joy and peace into our lives.

But the poem is not just about the beauty of nature. It is also about the power of love and the

way it can transform us. Neruda writes about the way love can make us feel like we are flying,

like we are weightless and limitless. He captures the sense of euphoria that comes from being

in love and the way it can fill our hearts with light and happiness.

At the same time, the poem is also about the passage of time and the way it shapes and changes

our lives. Neruda writes about the shadows that lengthen as the day wears on, and the way the

world seems to grow quieter and more still as the afternoon turns into evening. He captures the

sense of melancholy that can come with the passing of time, and the way we can feel both joy

and sadness as we watch our lives unfold.

Throughout the poem, Neruda's use of language is masterful. His words are simple, yet profound,

and they create a vivid and powerful picture of the world around us. From the "flaming metals"

of sun to the "apples descending from the trees, his imagery is both rich and precise,

Ultimately,  Leaning into the Afternoons is a poem about living in the moment, about savoring 

the small pleasures of life, and about embracing both the joy and the sorrow that come with the 

passing of time. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of every

moment, cherishing the beauty of the world around us and the love that we share with others. 

It's a reminder to slow down and savor the small moments in life, to be present and mindful, and

to cherish the beauty and magic of the world in all its complexity. I hope this poem and my

thoughts on it have brought you some joy and inspiration today.  Let's all take a moment to lean

into the afternoon and appreciate the wonder of the world around us. Neruda's poetry has

reminded me why I have such a passion for poetry in the first place and always will.

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    14th Century Persian Woman Poet Honored

    Jahan Malek Khutun, a famous Persian, is the focus of my poetry passion in this blog post.    

   Jahan Malek Khutun is a name that may not be familiar to many people, but she is a significant figure in the history of Persian poetry. She was a 14th century poet and the wife of the Ilkhanid ruler Ghazan Khan. Her most famous work is the poem Mohabbatnama, which is considered one of the most important works of medieval Persian literature.  

   Mohabbatnama, which means "The Book of Love", is a long narrative poem that tells the story of the love between Jahan Malek Khutun and Ghazan Khan. The poem is written in the form of a letter that Jahan Malek Khutun wrote to her husband while he was away on a military campaign. In the poem, she expresses her love for Ghazan Khan and her longing for him to return to her.  She also reflects on the nature of love and its power to overcome obstacles and bring people together.

   What makes Mohabbatnama so significant is not just its beautiful language and imagery, but also the fact that it was written by a woman in a male-dominated society.  Jahan Malek Khutun was a highly educated and accomplished woman who was fluent in several languages and well versed in literature and poetry. Her writing challenged the prevailing gender norms of her time and paved the way for other women to express themselves through poetry and other forms of creative writing.

   Jahan Malek Khutun's significance as a poet extends beyond her gender and her role as the wife of a ruler. She was a skilled writer who was able to capture the complexities of human emotions and relationships in her work. Her poetry is known for its depth, sincerity, and sensitivity, and it continues to be admired by readers and scholars today.

   In addition to Mohabbatnama, Jahan Malek Khutun also wrote several other works, including a collection of letters and a diwan (collection of poems). Her writing has had a lasting impact on Persian literature and has inspired generations of poets and writers.

   Jahan Malek Khutun was a remarkable woman who defied the gender norms of her time and left a lasting legacy as a poet and writer.  Her poem Mohabbatnama is a testament to her talent and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her writing. Her significance as a poet extends beyond her gender and her role as the wife of a ruler, and her work continues to be admired and studied by scholars today.

   My most recent poetry lesson plan includes a recipe for Advieh Persian spice and Advieh Chicken Kebabs and an example and analysis of one of Jahan Malek Khutun's poems.  Excellent for Women's Poetry study, National Poetry Month, or any poetry unit.

Jahan Malek Khutun Poetry and Advieh Persian Spice

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Le Pont Mirabeau by Guillaume Apollinaire Revisited

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about the beauty and popularity of Le Pont Mirabeau, a bridge in Paris that has become a symbol of the city and is often referred to in literature and art. The bridge was built in 1889 and is named after the Marquis de Mirabeau, a French revolutionary leader. It spans the Seine River and connects the neighborhoods of Passy and Auteuil. The bridge has become an iconic symbol of Paris due to its stunning beauty. The bridge’s graceful curves are elegant, with its stone arches highlighted by ornate lamps at night. It is also an important symbol for lovers, as it is often referenced in literature and art due to its romantic feel. One of the most famous references is Guillaume Apollinaire’s poem “Le Pont Mirabeau” which he wrote in 1913: “Sous le pont Mirabeau coule la Seine/ Et nos amours Faut-il qu'il m'en souvienne/ La joie venait toujours après la peine.” Translated into English this reads: “Under the Mirabeau Bridge, flows the Seine/ And our love - must it remind me still/ Joy always comes after pain.” This poem speaks to the timelessness of love, as well as how joy can come from pain, something that many people can relate to. This poem has made Le Pont Mirabeau even more popular than it already was due to its beauty and importance as a bridge connecting two parts of Paris. Whether you're visiting Paris or just learning about it from afar, Le Pont Mirabeau is certainly worth checking out! It's a beautiful piece of architecture with romantic connotations that will make your visit truly memorable.

I have paired this poem with the culinary spice Herbes de Provence and given you a recipe to create the spice in your own kitchen. Also included in this unit is a recipe for a fabulous chicken recipe using the spice.

You can combine the beauty of poetry writing with the joy of cooking and provide a fabulous learning experience that is unique for students.

The unit also includes an analysis of the poem and directions for writing a poem. Following the creative writing activity you could enjoy Herbes de Provence Chicken while listening to the poetry your class has created.

Enjoy a feast of writing, spice making and culinary cooking!

Writer's Corner

Here's the link to Herbes de Provence and Le Pont Mirabeau by Guillaume Apollinaire, Culinary Arts Spice and Chicken recipes combined with

creative writing poetry activity and poetic analysis:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Herbes-de-Provence-Le-Pont-Mirabeau-by-Guillaume-Apollinaire-Recipes-Poetry-9173681

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