The sad death of singer Dolly Parton prompted a worldwide outpouring of love, tributes, and recognition of her achievements not only in music, but in philanthropy as well. Her Imagination Library project is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children from birth to the age of five. It spans five countries and donates millions of free books each month to children around the world. 

We at Write Out Loud want to mention a wonderful poem by Di Slaney that references Dolly, which won our Echoes poetry competition last year. 'Dolly Parton's wig' was dedicated to the memory of the late poet Kathryn Bevis. It contains some brilliant words about Dolly, too.   

 

DOLLY PARTON’S WIG
by Di Slaney
 
for Kathryn Bevis
 
And when you said you felt the spirit of Dolly
in that gorgeous sweep of auburn light falling
past your shoulders, your warm bright smile so wide
and clear despite every shitty current thing, Dolly
 
appeared behind you, small and perfect, Dolly
in curly backcombed bombshell, the tiny velvet
bow all cute and perky, guitar slung low across
tasselled skirt, humming, long lacquered nails Dolly
 
uses as instrument and reward, tapping you, Dolly
inviting you, sing with me, make our butterflies
and love a real and gentle thing, now your voice
deep and rich, a little quiver reassured by Dolly
 
squeezing your shoulder, her voice sweet, high Dolly
with tall notes vibrating to let us know you’ll think
of us every step of the way, leaving us your words,
your glorious voices, your libraries of imagination.

 

 

Background: Di Slaney wins Write Out Loud's 'Echoes' competition with 'Dolly Parton's wig'