“The White Porch,” by Cathy Song
This one’ll watch you drench your slice of it in canned peaches and lick the plate clean.
During the first few weeks of the blog, I received several requests that I read one poem or another. A few of these I read right away, a few I put off and forgot. This is the week to man up and make good: all requests, all week long. So here you go, Stephanie, “The White Porch.” (Why did this one stick with you out of everything we read in that class, what, a decade ago?)
I read “The White Porch” from Cathy Song’s Poetry Foundation page because, teachers, let’s just say you shouldn’t go falling head over heels for an anthologized poem. You never know if it’ll still be there for you in the newer edition. “The White Porch” was first published in Song’s book, Picture Bride (Yale UP, 1983).
Belly up, it's A Poetry Feed. 
Just like the first time I read/heard it, I am taken aback by this one! I think this poem stuck with me for a number of reasons. I love words that paint pictures, and this poem uses words in new ways, ways that you wouldn’t initially consider. I also like the intimacy of it. It is complex but simple at the same time. Sounds weird, but I like this kind of poetry. It seems real to me. The only way I can describe it is beautiful. I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it here. Remember, I was the kid who was asked to write a 250 word response and turned in five pages 🙂
Yes. Beautiful poem and gorgeous reading.