Poetry Friday: The Death of the Hat

How about The Death of the Hat, A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects, selected by Paul B. Janeczko and illustrated by Chris Raschka, for Poetry Friday? What a brilliant anthology from the Early Middle Ages, to the Victorian Period, to Contemporary. A fascinating idea, yes?

Paul says, "I believe that poetry is meant to be shared-that's what anthologies are all about-so I hope you share a couple of these poems with someone close to you." So, here you go:

(Note: it's fascinating to see this collection illustrated with the vibrant paintings of Chris. Fresh and loose, the imagery helps bring the words a step closer through time.)

From the Renaissance:

Kim Ku, translated by Kevin O'Rourke

I spy the three-colored peach blossom
floating down the mountain stream.
A free spirit, I jump in, fully clothed.
Flowers scooped
in my arms, I splash up and down in the water.

The Death of the Hat, A brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects
selected by Paul B. Janeczko
illustrated by Chris Raschka
Candlewick Press, 2015