NPM 2015: What Are You Wearing, Robyn Campbell?

"The Raven" Infinity Scarf is available at Etsy.

What are you wearing for National Poetry Month 2015, readers? Will it be a pair of Emily Dickinson tights, or today's find: An infinity scarf printed with Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"?

Throughout April, guest bloggers are dressing up in their poetry finery as Author Amok features poems about clothes. Why clothes? Read this post.

In addition to the guest bloggers, every Friday in April I'll post a round-up of original and recommended clothing poems. (Send those via email to laurashovan at gmail dot com or leave them in the comments). You'll find this week's writing prompt at the bottom of this post.

We touched on hand-me-downs when Robyn Hood Black tried on Alice Schertle's "Hand-me-down Sweatshirt" for size. Today, guest blogger Robyn Campbell is taking another look at "not-so-new" clothes with a poem by Mary Ann Hoberman.

So, Robyn, what are you wearing?

I am thrilled to take part in Laura's brainchild for National Poetry Month. Everyone needs clothes (I hope). :-) Clothes can be our statement. They can show the world who we are. What our personalities  look like. What is deep inside our souls. Watch what people wear. It will give you a zoom lens into their identities. Thank you, Laura for letting me take part in your lovely blog this month. 

What I'm wearing today is old vintage clothes from Mary Ann Hoberman's picture book, I Like Old Clothes, illustrated by Patrice Barton. 

As you'll see when you read the text, the words stand on their own. No need to see the charming illustrations (although I recommend you own a copy of this endearing picture book) but her word choice is exquisite. I have used it as a mentor text. The illustrations are different from the original ones published back in 1976. What a fun story. I was a little girl who loved old clothes so this is especially meaningful to me. I loved shopping for clothes someone else once owned because I knew there was a history with them. After all, they might have been worn by a princess or a movie star. No matter who wore them, they had to have had an interesting life before I got them. So for me, this is more than just a symbol, it's a way of life. Even today, I love shopping in the stores that sell hand-me-downs. Just as the story says, I like old clothes. :-)

From I Like Old Clothes

by Mary Ann Hoberman

I like old clothes,

Hand-me-down clothes,

Worn outgrown clothes,

Not-my-own clothes.

When somebody grows

And gives me her clothes,

I don’t say, “What, those?”

And turn up my nose

The way some people do

When their clothes aren’t new.

I like old clothes.

I really do.

Clothes with a history,

Clothes with a mystery,

Sweaters and shirts

That are brother-and-sistery,

Clothes that belonged to a friend of a friend,

Who wore them to school when she lived in East Bend.

“You lived in East Bend once, Blue Sweater,” I say.

“Just think, you are living in my town today.”

To read the rest of the poem, visit your library,
or find your own copy of I Like Old Clothes
from Amazon or Indibound.

Mary Ann Hoberman has written forty-five children's picture books, almost all of them in verse. She's a former United States Children's Poet Laureate who wrote the wonderful middle grade novel entitled Strawberry Hill.

As a contrast to Mary Ann's poem, I offer another take on old clothes. A haiku by Anni Morris.

Toothless zips, wrong size.
Tired elastic with no spring
Loose threads, color drained

So there are always two sides to the old clothes argument. Which side are you on? 

Thank you for reading. 

Robyn Campbell loves writing poetry and picture books and wearing old clothes. She's currently revising her middle-grade novel, writing a poetry book for kids and she plans on self-publishing a writing book for 8-12-year- old children. She lives in NC on her farm, and when not writing or homeschooling, Robyn can be found at the barn with her horses. She blogs at robyn-campbell.blogspot.com.

  

Robyn, I have had some beloved vintage finds over the years. In high school, I was rarely seen without my black and red check men's suit jacket. (It looked great with jeans and a black beret. I thought.) More recently: this leather coat for $12. (Great for cosplay!)

Remember when I was
The Fourth Doctor
for Halloween?

ICYMI: In our poetry closet, you will find...

Introductory Post

Jane Elkin looks in her childhood closet. Poems by Mark Irwin and Ron Koertge.

Tabatha Yeatts shares an ensemble of clothing poems by Greg Pincus.

Margaret Gibson Simon tries on orange high heels. Poem by Ellen Bass.

Robyn Hood Black borrows Alice Schertle's "Hand-me-down Sweatshirt."

Jone MacCulloch wears her Grandma Mac's aprons.

Heidi Mordhorst pulls on some big, black boots.

Linda Baie's outfit would not be complete without a poem in her pocket.

Catherine Johnson getting dressed with Alexander Resnikoff.

*Your suggested clothing poem prompt for Friday, April 24: Vintage

Tell the story of an old article of clothing. It might be the oldest thing currently hanging in your closet, something you found in a vintage or second hand store, a Christening gown passed down through your family (I have my grandfather's, from 1898), or an old concert tee that you can part with, even though it no longer fits. Begin with "It reminds me of the time when..."

Send your poems any time. I'll post original work and recommended poems on Friday.