Take Heart: A Conversation in Poetry: Early Morning Trumpet

Edited and introduced by Wesley McNair, Maine Poet Laureate

As the sponsor of poetry readings, the founder of a literary magazine, and a publisher, George Van Deventer is longstanding champion of poetry in Maine. This week’s column shows he is also a poet.

Early Morning Trumpet -- for Gabe -- by George V. Van Deventer

On occasion, leaving the barn
after milking, I’d hear
my neighbor’s son down the valley,
across the stream, play
his trumpet as if he were thinking out loud, moving
in the privacy of his thoughts.
I’d stop as if it were a call to prayer
and follow his flight,
as I would follow a nuthatch
piping from tree to tree –
a personal song
unfolding around me.

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Take Heart: A Conversation in Poetry is produced in collaboration with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. Poem copyright © 1988 by George V. Van Deventer. Printed by permission George V. Van Deventer. Questions about submitting to Take Heart may be directed to David Turner, Special Assistant to the Maine Poet Laureate, at poetlaureate@mainewriters.org or 207-228-8263.