BCC Shines a Light on: Jeanne Blum Lesinski
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
Still Life, 2017. [This journal was part of Saginaw Valley State University’s Writing Center program. The journal is no longer being published.]
Tell us more about your piece! What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
I’d been taking the train regularly from Flint to Chicago on the Blue Water Amtrack Line to visit family. I like riding on trains and watching the scenery out the window and sometimes even striking up conversations with strangers. On one trip, I took notes on what I saw there and back. These separate little mental snapshots lined themselves up in my mind like a long list or film stills because of the shape of the windows. These items seemed like train cars on a track when on the page, which is why even words that would normally be capitalized are lowercase.
How did you feel when it was first published and how have your thoughts or feelings on the piece changed from then to now?
This poem was the first poem I wrote after a lengthy hiatus and marked my re-entry into a writing life that had been overcome by stresses. So, in a sense it was the beginning of a new journey, and I still like the poem and the journey.
Is there a specific message you would like readers to take away from reading this piece?
I’m a big fan of reader response theory, so I’m not going to say there is any right or wrong way to interpret this poem. However, the lack of end punctuation and use of alliteration give the lines a forward momentum and a certain rhythm that is meant to mimic the feel of a train ride. Then “elderly couple waves, hugs each other as the train pulls away” slows the momentum, opening up the poem for readers to imagine what’s next.
What else would you like to tell readers about your writing? (Doesn’t have to refer only to your BCC piece)
I write poetry and creative non-fiction and on occasion flash fiction in many different styles because each work needs to find its own voice and form. My debut poetry book Tethers End was published by Shanti Arts in 2023.
“The neatly turned image in this book’s quasi-title poem of a spaniel “roaming the boundaries of her domain” conveys the tensions that author Jeanne Lesinski explores. Covering a wide range of experience and emotion, she has produced a book of stylistically ambitious poems that are sharply observed, skillful in execution, and intelligent and generous in spirit,” wrote John Palen, author of Riding With the Diaspora, and Distant Music.
Where can readers find more of your work? (Website/social media, etc)
Jeanne Blum Lesinski (jeanneblumlesinskiwriter.com)
I’m also findable on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
