Origami Flowers

Posted on 2023-03-13 by Bartholomew Barker

Before I fold the square
I write a little poem
something brief and cryptic
like a poorly translated fortune

If I’ve folded a boat
I’ll launch on the creek
let it float downstream
to a reader or some hungry fish

If I’ve folded a paper fly
I’ll throw it from the balcony
at the windiest part of the day
hoping a stranger will catch

I have buckets of flowers
folded from pied pages
and when I drive down the interstate
they blossom from the bed of my pickup

Littering the side of the road
wildflowers of variegated poetry

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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41 Responses to Origami Flowers

  1. equipsblog's avatar equipsblog says:
    2023-03-13 at 22:58

    That is a super cool poem with wonderful imagery.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. jaidai23's avatar jai says:
    2023-03-14 at 00:34

    I love this, Bartholomew…whimsical imagery throughout. 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  3. Pingback: Grandfather Wisdom – Gypsie’s Wonderful World of Words

  4. Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris's avatar Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris says:
    2023-03-14 at 03:13

    Thank you for a lovely prompt Bartholomew!

    Grandfather Wisdom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-03-14 at 03:48

    “wildflowers of variegated poetry”

    Spreading the word…..

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. luvgoodcarp's avatar luvgoodcarp says:
    2023-03-14 at 06:04

    Such lovely imagery.

    Like

    Reply
  7. Cassa Bassa's avatar Cassa Bassa says:
    2023-03-14 at 07:41

    This is wonderful poetry Bart. 💚💚💚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Aa'eedah's avatar Aaeedah says:
    2023-03-14 at 07:54

    Loved the way your beautiful imageries made me feel! Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. r.Douglas's avatar r.Douglas says:
    2023-03-14 at 08:44

    prime prismatic poetry, Bartholomew

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Dawn Pisturino's avatar Dawn Pisturino says:
    2023-03-14 at 13:03

    Love the imagery!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. pensivepoetblog's avatar pensivepoetblog says:
    2023-03-14 at 14:02

    All I can think of is Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

    A poorly translated fortune?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. The Inkwell (Pankaj Kumar)'s avatar The Inkwell says:
    2023-03-14 at 17:26

    Your love for origami and poetry is evident in your words. It’s fascinating how you intertwine these two art forms, creating something unique and beautiful. Just as you carefully choose the words for your poems, you also take the time to select the right paper and folds for your origami. Both require precision, attention to detail, and creativity. Your willingness to share your creations with others shows a generosity of spirit, a desire to connect with others through your art. It’s inspiring to see how you use your passions to spread joy and beauty in the world, one paper creation at a time. 👍👏👌😊

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Stacey C. Johnson's avatar Stacey C. Johnson says:
    2023-03-14 at 19:09

    Oh, this! “they blossom from the bed of my pickup” – the image of seeding the landscape with poetry is magnificent and inspiring. Thank you, Bartholomew!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Annabel's avatar Annabel says:
    2023-03-15 at 02:25

    Very interesting write! A bit differ from your usual style and just as wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-03-15 at 04:02

    You’re in m’blog again….and Gypsie too..

    http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=16193

    …with observations and additions.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Cheryl Batavia's avatar Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet says:
    2023-03-22 at 17:50

    I was just thinking how nice it would be to find some wildflowers today!
    Lovely, imaginative poem. <3

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. utopicdystopian's avatar utopicdystopian says:
    2023-04-05 at 21:30

    Some days, some words are needed to be read. Thank you for this poem!!

    Liked by 1 person

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