Once in the 40’s is a poem From The Way It Is by William Stafford. Copyright © 1982, 1998 by the Estate of William Stafford.
In honor of him, I selected a poem, found a line, and wrote a Golden Shovel.
“and no matter how far, to be so happy again.”
anticipation hangs like icicles and
the space between breaths no
longer matter
we wonder how
snowflakes drift so far
so fast attaching one by one to
winter’s bare branches. be
still as the towhees make snow tracks so
others find the seeds and dine happy
anticipation hangs like icicles again
©jone rush macculloch, draft 2020
Jone Rush MacCulloch 
This is beautiful, Jone!
I’ll need to look for William Stafford as well… thanks for this intro and poem. Really lovely…
Moving poem Jone, these words stood out to me as birds are ever present on my mind:
“be
still as the towhees make snow tracks so
others find the seeds and dine”
Thanks also for the peek into your notebook, how creative and fun it is!
Golden shovel poems are so interesting to write and read. I, like others, enjoyed your line, “anticipation hangs like icicles”.
I love William Stafford’s poetry. I had the joy of hearing him speak at NCTE long ago. But I’m also wondering how I did not know you went to Lewis and Clark?!? My best friend from college left the University of Denver and finished her degree there!! Small world!
This is super, Jone! I really enjoy your imagery and metaphor here.
Jone, your presentation and connection to the poem and the poet are beautiful and heartfelt. I love that you used the phrase, “spaces between.” That is what I have been reflecting on for Spiritual Thursday.
Your poem is gorgeous. I love “anticipation hangs like icicles” that begins and ends your poem. I will remember these lines when I look at icicles.
I recommend ‘Early Morning’, about my father, by Kim Stafford, Jone. It is beautiful, as is your poem from that wonderful line. I too love “anticipation hangs like icicles’!
I have the book. We read it for book club and had Kim’s mom attend.
I love William Stafford and had the privilege of meeting and attending a workshop with his son, Kim Stafford. I love the line “anticipation hangs like icicles.” I think when we write golden shovel poems, the words lead us to a surprising place. Thanks for sharing your process.
You’re welcome. Kim is a wonderful person.
Thank you for sharing this. I would like to know more about William Stafford and read his work. “Anticipation hangs like icicles/ the space between breath no /longer matters. Something to think about.