"God Bless the Grass" has been a favorite folksong of mine for many years. Recently, I got curious to know if Pete Seger wrote it, or just performed it. That's when my research brought me to the amazing life and work of Malvina Reynolds.
As soon as I started learning about Malvina Reynolds, I knew that I wanted more people to get to know her, and I could do that with a month of biographical poems about her life and inspired by her songs. Her work is once again quite timely, and I'm looking forward to introducing my students and blog readers to an amazing woman, activist, songwriter, and down-to-earth human being. I want to honor her, and make sure that her creativity remains alive in this world.
Amy has this Poetry Month Eve Poetry Friday roundup at The Poem Farm. I'm looking forward to the Poetry Month projects everyone else is launching!
What a great project! I love the idea of hearing more about her. Perhaps it will work itself into a biography! :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Poetry Month, everyone!
ReplyDeleteI had music on my mind this week, too! Songwriters, folk musicians and singers are like contemporary bards and troubadours, telling our stories and sharing collective memories. Song is such a powerful medium.
ReplyDeleteWow. This sounds like a fabulous project. A gift to you, your students, us. x
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Looking forward to it, Mary Lee.
ReplyDeleteShe's new to me. Thanks for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like the start of a PB biography! I have not heard of Malvina so I'm looking forward to learning more.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in learning more about her, Mary Lee. Thanks for putting her on the radar through your poetry. =)
ReplyDeleteTerrific idea, Mary Lee!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait! I'm also working on poems about a person. It's fun...and challenging. See you in Poetry MOnth!
ReplyDeleteI know of her, Mary Lee. She wrote one of my favorite Pete Seeger songs, Little Boxes! I look forward to all that you discover and write!
ReplyDeleteI heard Pete Seeger singing this song at the Clearwater Music Festival several years ago...I meant to research her, and didn't. So, I will have to listen in for your poetry, Mary Lee. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an idea for a project! Can't wait to read and learn more.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning more about Malvina. I have not heard of her before, so it is even more learning for me!
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, I'm looking forward to your month with Malvina Reynolds! I familiar with "God Bless the Grass" from both her and Pete Seeger, whom I both like. What a timely song this is too! Loved hearing her sing also, thanks for all!
DeleteThis is going to be a rich life to explore, Mary Lee. I read your first few poems. Malvina's story has so many layers!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to learning more about this fascinating woman, Mary Lee!
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