The Blanket Stories
Conceived of by artist Richard Jochum, Blanket Stories aims to spread peace, cooperation and appreciation for art and poetry.
The Blanket Story
Five siblings inherit a blanket. They lie beneath it, together, to stay warm. But inevitably body parts stick out and they squabble and tug. They do not realize that they would all fit if they just moved closer together.
I submitted a poem in response to The Blanket Story, and it was accepted for the anthology.
If Only by Roslyn Tanner Evans
If only I were alone,
If only I had the bed to myself,
If only just one night,
If only, if only
If only I were comfortable,
If only I were covered,
If only I were warm,
If only, If only
If only my sisters hadn’t heard me,
If only my brothers hadn’t left,
If only I were not alone,
If only, If only.
If only they came back,
If only I said I was sorry,
If only we slept closer,
If only, If only.
Blanket Stories Mission:
“Blanket Stories will demonstrate how, through collaboration, the significance of a parable can be artistically reiterated in an infinite number of ways. The parable is one of the earliest means of education and has been used by many if not all cultures throughout human history. Today it is still used for moral enlightenment—and so is art. By exposing a simple, narrated tale to poets and artists, and inviting them to interpret it creatively, we refract the message through multiple lenses. And, like any truly collaborative project, Blanket Stories will take on a life of its own, with its contributors bringing it in new directions.”
April is Poetry Month
How fitting that our poems and artwork was just published by Ragged Sky Press and is posted in the ONLINE SHOWCASE. Beginning Sat. April 26th, individual poems will be highlighted on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/the blanketstoriesproject.Will have a post on my facebook page when my poem is featured.
I, along with other poets and performers will be reading on June 6th, 2014 in NYC at a LAUNCH EVENT. I look forward to sharing this honor with friends and family and of course, I will be wearing a new necklace.
Radiant Treasures: Hot Pink Necklace
Comments 39
Thank you for sharing this touching poem and the original blanket story. I wish you the best when you read your poem.
Your hot pink necklace is stunning. I really like the way you spaced the beads and wove the two strands together.
Author
LeAllyson Meyer, I must confess this is my first poem. I have written things in rhyme but this one fits the genre of poetry. When I read the blanket story, I awoke thinking about it and these words popped into my head. I submitted it on a lark. Who knew?
The pink necklace is a double strand that can be twisted the way shown or nested loosely. It is one of my signature designs called “Treasures”. I spend a lot of time getting the position of the variety of beads tplaced just right. Thanks for compliment.
Very nice poem 🙂
Beautiful poem, congratulations for being accepted and for the opportunity you’ll have to ready at the event. I bet it was difficult to choose the necklace with so many choices you have. Have fun!
Thanks you Meire. I was hesitant to submit a poem, having never written one, so I am touched by your congratulations. That was the big deal for me.
Beautiful poem and tells such a great story. We often take thing/peoples for granted until we no longer have them and then suddenly realize how valuable they really are.
The necklace is beautiful as well. The colors really pop and are so radiant for spring. I am enjoying all of the spring colors this year.
Author
The reaction Meryl to this story refects the human condition of ‘regret’. Love designing necklaces inspired by the seasons.
Yes Roslyn, how many “If Onlys” do each of us have in our lives. Should probably stop saying it so we don’t have so many regrets in our latter years. Wonderful poem and look forward to hearing when it’s published.
Author
Diana, since writing “If Only” I find myself catching myself to be present , in the moment, and to not have regrets.
Oh, Roslyn, I love your poem and the blanket story. They are both beautiful.
I also love your necklace! Such pretty colors! Reminds me of summer. 🙂
Author
Thanks Alexandria. I knew you would love the story, poem and the warm pop of the necklace.
I normally do not have an opportunity to read poems but I may this was a beautiful poem and tells such a great story. In life we sometimes take the things we have for granted and not realize it until it’s gone. That is something that I’ve changed my perspective on!
Beautiful poem Roslyn! And the necklace is wonderful!
Love the poem, it’s original. And your necklace is beautiful as usually.
Love the poem and the story behind it! Your necklace is beautiful as well! 🙂
Author
Thank you Nate, Carele and Kungphoo for appreciating the beaty of the story, my response toit and the jewelry.
Love the poem (and the jewelry!). Tonight, at dinner, I was talking about living alone. I have lived alone for 7 years. It took me about 5 years to become comfortable enough with myself and I’m OK with it. But it’s NO FUN. No one to cook for. No one to talk to. No one to snuggle with. Like those children, it’s much more fun to be together under the blanket!
Author
Oh Tina, It is something I adjusted to once when I chose to get divorced and now, Im remaried 15 years. Herb is 82. We treasure every day and as strong a soul as I am, I know it is no fun to adjust to being alone.Thanks for sharing your reaction. Its really good to say exactly what is so.
I don’t know that there is a Poetry month! thank you for sharing a very nice story. Surely there are many interpretations to it by now. 🙂
What a great poem! Very beautiful and the jewelry is beautiful as always!
Very touching poem Roslyn. The necklace is stunning!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem and the Blanket Story that inspired it. The necklace is lovely!
The poem is beautiful and I loved learning about the Blanket Story.
You have many talents, Miss Roslyn! That was beautiful… and the necklace – awesome summery, flowery colors. You rock!!!
Thank you Pamela, Veronica, Sephanie, Gina, Ashley and Norma for appreciating the story, my poem in response to it and tne necklace. This is my first poem. Writing is not my artistic preference nor, like the jewelry, did I know I could do this. We must all have surprises inside us.
Very nice poem, a lost art. I hadn’t heard the Blanket Story before.
I love your blanket story poem. It creates strong emotional feelings. Congratulations on being accepted for their anthology… that is quite an honor. Another of your special talents displayed. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you Pat Moon, Heather Cameron, Connie, Side Gig Coach and Gilly Fisher for your acknowledgements. I contunue to surprise myself when aesthetics emerge. Honestly, I didn’t know it was inside me and I encourage everyone to explore.
Roslyn, you’re kind of amazing! You design and create beautiful jewelry, you promote your biz via social media and now you’re a published poet! Kudos to you!
Congratulations, what a great poem! You must be very proud Roslyn and excited to read this in NYC. By the way you are going to look fantastic with that beautiful necklace!
If only we could have a coffee together
spend time face to face
IRL
If only, if only!
Beautiful poem and love the project. Looking forward to your poem being featured and to see a photo of you wearing that new necklace!
Congratulations Roslyn, it’s an honour to know you even if virtually.
Author
I so agree Veronica. If Only we could meet face to face, but for now, no regrets as we have our virtual affinity and friendship. Thanks for your generous words.
Lovely, Roslyn! For a first shot at writing a poem, I would say you did very well! Best of luck to you when you read it in public. And, I know you will look stunning in the gorgeous necklace – love the colors.
Congratulations, Roslyn! How wonderful. I would have never guessed this was your first time writing a poem. Love the story behind it. My very best reading your poem on June 6th. I know that you will look stunning in your new necklace. Congratulations, again, Roslyn! You continue to inspire us all.
Thanks Robin Strohmaier and Laurie Hurley for your kind words. I do admit I keep surprising myself as I never thought of myself as creative. Now, if this necklace sells since it is on my website, I will just have to create a different one. Haven’t decided on outfit, so it has to complement it.
I don’t know about you, Roz, but to me part of the joy of having a few years under our belt is continuing to find new things to try. They keep us stretching. But poetry? You’re a braver soul than I … 😉 Most important, it’s really great!
Thanks Sharon for yourcomment. I learned early on in life to stretch, explore and be open to new experiences. I believe it helped keep me young in spirit, looks and outlook. My life is one of my creation, and I have fun with it.
Wow! That was a beautiful poem. If only…. Sometime we let that destroy our entire lives. Thank you for sharing this. You are very talented.
Author
I agree Katrina that regret often ruins our happiness. By the way, I had no idea I could do this just as I had no idea I could create jewelry. A gift late in life.