National Poetry Month’s Feature Poet Ruth Ticktin

Poet’s Bio: Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised and taught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison and Chicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Ruth writes poetry and fiction. Always sharing stories, she is an author: Was, Am, Going; Recollections in Poetry & Flash (New Bay Books, 2022.) co-editor: Psalms for Contemplation (Poetica Publishing 2020.) co-author: What's Ahead? (Pro Lingua Learning 2013.) contributor: Maryland Bards 2023, 2024 & Gathering (Local Gem Press.) BarBar; Literary Heist; Wild Word; Straylight & more.

Deliah Lawrence: What tips would you give to aspiring poets?

Ruth Ticktin: When you have a picture in your mind, write down the words and don’t be concerned with the form that first emerges on paper or screen. At times you will hear the words like a song and write in a rhythm. Other moments after having a visceral reaction to a scene you will need to recreate that action in words. When you want to tell a story as it comes to your mind, leave your pen on the paper and fingers on keyboard. The joy of writing poetry continues when you read your words aloud and play with the structure and form of the verse. There are many possibilities and few rules except that you have to feel good about what you hear.

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?

RT: Before declaring myself a writer, I was a dancer, a travel agent, and an ESL teacher. I found creativity in each phase of work though not ever a smooth path. I loved the challenge especially in the art of making a home and raising a family.

DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?

RT: In celebration of National Poetry Month, here are two poems:

1. Title: Sky Sea Sun spirits

Sun sets slowly, a turtle drags

their laden body from the Sea

On a sandy spot they create

a safe nest, laying ninety eggs

Clouds light the Sky up orange

speckled with winking stars

Gray heavens darken above

an ominous wait ensues

Rumbling shh then striking

waves crash onto Sea rocks

Loud snaps Sky cracking

No silence between

Thunder Lightening hit

on Sea shore passing through

Two moons after Sun and storm take

turns, eggs hatch to new life

Emerging from sand dark night

a howl rolls in, a cackling

Sky Sea Sun spirits emit

a lush harsh laughter

2 Title: Asking Solomon Ibn Gabirol

How do you know there is more in this world than us mere mortals?

Look at the heavens. I see vastness. I kneel at the ordered universe.

Where Solomon, where is there order on earth?

In the natural daily miracles of our dependable physical space there is order

In the potential inherent morality of individuals and even society there is order.

Is this spirit?

This is a transcending—near and within separate and apart.

When are you aware of a savior, a liberator of souls?

Yes, awareness comes when I am victorious over my limitations

and when witnessing the power of justice, I am aware.

Why do you believe?

There are stirrings in my heart aches of love and tenderness

I want to help I care I need to.

Who is answering me, who are you?

I’m Solomon from Spain, a poet, a Jew, a philosopher.

I was in the world nine hundred and seventy years ago

Look for my statue in Malaga. I stand bearded and bent in my turban and robes.

There is much to read to consider

to write and always study.

Nothing is forthright frequent or forever

With my head up arms outstretched

I thank you for asking and thinking along with me.

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

RT: I am completing a book of poems called Around & Around. I am in the final drafts of a novel titled Tracks of the Heart and a children’s book, A Triassic Tale.

Recent poetry published: