Skip to main content

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:

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and your poetry?


RT: Readers can get more Information here:

Poetry Anthology Buy Links:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.


RT: Thank you for including me in the blog!






 

 

 

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book.  Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories.  When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One day, I went
10 comments
Read more

Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and
20 comments
Read more

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Erica Ginsberg, author of Creative Resilience

Author’s Bio: Erica Ginsberg has drawn on creativity in a variety of different roles: writer, documentary filmmaker, story consultant, project manager, and social entrepreneur. She co-founded the documentary film organization Docs In Progress and served as its founding executive director for more than a decade. She co-hosts The D-Word, a peer-to-peer global community for documentary professionals.  In addition to working in the arts, Erica has organized professional development study tours to the United States for mid-career professionals from around the world. She has a BA in international affairs and an MA in film and video. She finds joy in travel, painting, collage, reading, nature hikes, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Lulu.  Note: The most valuable piece of writing advice she has ever given is m ake bad stuff so you can get to good stuff. Really great advice for those of us who lean towards perfectionism.   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your b
Post a Comment
Read more