JoAnn Early Macken - JoAnn's Blog

Morning Haiku for Poetry Friday

July 6, 2018

Tags: haiku, Poetry Friday

I don't know what this plant is. Do you? It inspired the first haiku.

frilly halos rim

delicate cone-shaped blossoms

fringe of tiny bees

mosquito seeking heat

lands to check out coffee mug

neighbor's AC hums

wren's morning circuit

clothes line, fence post, lilac branch

warble at each stop

can't ignore the crow

even when it's out of sight

ruckus in the tree

monarch leaves an egg

on one life-sustaining leaf

of each milkweed plant

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at The Miss Rumphius Effect. Enjoy!

11 Comments

Comments

Jul 06, 2018 9:57 AM EDT

It just feels like summer at your place....love it AND the new format. You've been busy soaking up summer. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

- Linda M.

Jul 06, 2018 10:46 AM EDT

What a wonderful collection of haiku! Love that "fringe of tiny bees" and the wren warbling at each stop on her morning circuit.

- Molly Hogan

Jul 06, 2018 10:48 AM EDT

Sorry, I don't recognize the plant, either, pretty! Love each part of your "summer" in the haiku, glad the mosquito found its warmth only on a mug, and love "ruckus in a tree"--here, too! Happy summer, JoAnn!

- Linda Baie

Jul 06, 2018 10:51 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone! I've been enjoying the shady backyard in the morning before the day heats up. Today's forecast calls for cooler weather, so I'm heading back outside!

- JoAnn

Jul 06, 2018 6:49 PM EDT

I believe it is narrowleaf plantain. We have them around here, too. We also have common plantain, which has broad leaves and longer seedheads. It's nice to see weeds celebrated in poetry!

- Diane Mayr

Jul 07, 2018 8:19 AM EDT

All lovely! We have a robin that makes its morning rounds over here. Thanks for sharing.

- Kimberly M. Hutmacher

Jul 08, 2018 7:47 PM EDT

Such lovely moments you've captured!

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Jul 08, 2018 8:33 PM EDT

Sounds like an early morning around these parts, too, Joann! By the way, that plant you can't identify is an Indian Paintbrush. They come in both yellow and reddish-orange varieties here and have always been one of my favorite wildflowers.

- Matt Forrest Esenwine

Jul 08, 2018 8:36 PM EDT

Oh, you know what - Diane may be right. It's hard to tell without the colorful petals! Indian paintbrush - also known as hawkweed - looks very similar once it goes to seed.

- Matt Forrest Esenwine

Jul 09, 2018 12:23 PM EDT

Thanks, Diane! It does look like narrow leaf plantain. We have the wide variety, too, even on the same ball field. Matt, I've seen red Indian Paintbrush in Wisconsin. I didn't know it also came in yellow.

- JoAnn

Jul 10, 2018 5:26 PM EDT

JoAnn, what a delightful array of haikus for summer reading. I like the first haiku with the accompanying photo. Please let me know if I can showcase that pair in my summer gallery that would be in the floral section of "The Art of Summering" Gallery?

- Carol Varsalona

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Upgrading the Garden & Poetry Friday!

June 15, 2018

Tags: Poetry Friday, pulmonaria, Upgrading the Garden

Upgrading the Garden

I just dug up a clump of
overcrowded pulmonaria.
Too many plants were growing in
a tiny little area.
I'll split them up and trade some
with my neighbors. I have nary a
foxglove, hollyhock, ajuga,
phlox, or cineraria.
I can throw in milkweed
or monarda. Time to vary a
bit what grows here every year.

Got any Alstroemeria?

Karen Edmisten has today's Poetry Friday Roundup . Enjoy!

10 Comments

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Springing Eternal & Poetry Friday!

May 31, 2018

Tags: Poetry Friday, impatiens, Spring Eternal

Springing Eternal

I potted impatiens to put on the porch.
They are doomed. I never take care of 'em.
Plus everything there's a temptation to squirrels,
and we've got a root-chewing pair of 'em,
along with the spider mites weaving their webs—
destructive and messy—beware of 'em.

This year's will be different, I swear of 'em.

The Poetry Friday Roundup is at Buffy's Blog. Enjoy!

10 Comments

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Morning Promise

May 4, 2018

Tags: Morning Promise, Poetry Friday

I had to go buy a new computer yesterday (Coffee! Keyboard!), so I put blinders on and ignored my notebook all day even though I could hear it calling me. But before I went to sleep, I read some poems from Naomi Shihab Nye's Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners, and a quote in her poem "Tomorrow" stuck with me: "All that is truly ours now is the day that is beginning." This morning, I woke up and started writing before I got out of bed.

      The good thing about today is that
      it gives me another chance
          to laugh
          to leap
          to sing
          to play
          to work
          to pray
          to dance.
I make this promise to myself
      each day that I’m lucky to live:
      I’ll take the opportunity
          to help
          to hope
          to fight
          for right
          to lift
          to love
          to give.

Happy Poetry Friday! Brenda has today's Roundup at Friendly Fairy Tales. Enjoy!
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13 Comments

Comments

May 04, 2018 5:53 AM EDT

Nice to center on the important stuff! I have Nye's book, need to open it! Have a wonderful day, JoAnn!

- Linda Baie

May 04, 2018 6:26 AM EDT

I needed to wake up this morning and read your poem. Thank you for it and for the heads up about Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners

- Cheriee Weichel

May 04, 2018 6:50 AM EDT

Thank you, Linda and Cheriee! I borrowed the book from the library, and I already plan to buy my own copy--I'm not even halfway through! Some poets seem to speak directly to me, and she is definitely one of them!

- JoAnn

May 04, 2018 8:21 AM EDT

What an uplifting, life-affirming poem, JoAnn! Now you've made me anxious to read Naomi's book. Thanks for sharing. ;)

- jama

May 04, 2018 10:37 AM EDT

Thank you, Jama--I'm trying to keep focusing on the positive!

- JoAnn

May 04, 2018 2:34 PM EDT

Often I think about the listening poetry asks us to do, so I really like your inspiration. Yes, each day offers new chances.

- Glenda M. Funk

May 05, 2018 1:59 AM EDT

I may notice and appreciate it more during vacations, but I love the potential of dawn and a new day. Your poem is a wonderful celebration and reminder to seize the day. Coincidentally, I also shared a poem about day's beginning in this week's Roundup.

- Molly Hogan

May 05, 2018 10:37 AM EDT

So much goodness in those lists.

- Brenda Harsham

May 05, 2018 1:41 PM EDT

Powerfully provoking words: "All that is truly ours now is the day that is beginning." Thank you for your challenging words to live by -- your words written in the first moments of your day. AND thank you for your recent gift-- your book "Write a Poem." I have already shared it as a resource with teachers.

- Alice Nine

May 05, 2018 6:19 PM EDT

Thank you all! I spent most of the day outside today working in the yard. (It was warm, and the summer birds are arriving!) It was wonderful to come back in and read your kind comments!

- JoAnn Macken

May 05, 2018 6:43 PM EDT

Lovely poem JoAnn, we all could use another chance sometimes. I like how your poem flips back and forth too, creates a visual rhythm on the page. I have Naomi Shihbab Nye in a few poetry anthologies, but this book looks delicious, thanks for sharing it with us!

- Michelle Kogan

May 06, 2018 12:09 PM EDT

So sorry about your computer, and I love your poem!

- Ruth (thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com)

May 07, 2018 1:11 AM EDT

Naomi Shihab Nye never fails to deliver. These lines are soothing.

- Myra from GatheringBooks

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Day 6: Helping the Planet, Poetry Friday, & a Book Giveaway!

April 6, 2018

Tags: Book Giveaway, National Poetry Month, Write a Poem Step by Step, trash, helping the planet, Poetry Friday

If you walk along the river,
you’ll find trash among the bushes,
snagged in branches,
stuck in trees.
You will find a plastic bag.
Plastic bags are everywhere.

Pick one up. This is important.
Fill it with the trash you find.
Yes, I know you didn’t drop it.
Help the planet anyway.
Someone has to be a steward.
Someone has to care.

For the past year, a group I cofounded (Bring Your Bag Shorewood in Shorewood, Wisconsin) has been sewing reusable shopping bags from donated fabric and stocking them in a local grocery store. People who forget their bags can borrow one and bring it back for someone else to use. I wrote about it on the Authors for Earth Day blog. Tonight, we’ll be at the Shorewood Conservation Committee’s free screening of Bag It at 7 p.m. at the Shorewood Village Center. We'll talk about reusable shopping bags and our group’s efforts to reduce the use of unnecessary disposable plastic.

I'm giving away a copy of Write a Poem Step by Step every day in April. The book is based on my school visit presentations and includes a simple plan you can follow to create your own poems. I wrote it for students, teachers, and writers of all ages.

Post a comment here to enter. I'll choose one at random tomorrow and drop a copy of Write a Poem Step by Step in the mail—U.S. addresses only, please. I’ll email you for your mailing address if you win. And if you don't win right away, please try again. I'll have 31 copies to share!

If you get this error message

V1 SHUTDOWN ON 2018-03-31
Direct site owners to g.co/recaptcha/upgrade

type anything in the box! (I'm working on it.)

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at The Poem Farm. Enjoy!

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14 Comments

Comments

Apr 06, 2018 10:09 AM EDT

Thanks for the giveaway. I hate seeing trash on the side of the road or in nature. I just want to stop my car and pick it up!

- Books4Learning

Apr 06, 2018 10:37 AM EDT

Good for you! I feel the same way!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 06, 2018 12:56 PM EDT

Handsewn bags must be such a joy to use! My county passed a law that bags cost 5 cents each now (and you get 5 cents back if you use your own) so I think people are reusing bags quite a bit more. Good for you to be taking action like this!

- Tabatha

Apr 06, 2018 2:17 PM EDT

Yes, the bags are fun to use and to sew! Studies have shown that people are more likely to bring their own bags if they are charged extra for disposable bags than if they get a discount for bringing their own. I'm glad more communities are legislating change. In Wisconsin, a law was passed making it illegal to ban plastic bags in local communities. So we focus on education for now.

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 07, 2018 4:48 AM EDT

Tabatha is today's winner. Congratulations, Tabatha! I’ll email you for your mailing address.

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 07, 2018 5:16 AM EDT

It's quite wonderful that you founded this organization, JoAnn. I carry an old bag with me to pick up trash, wonder why others do not, and I wonder why they don't carry their own bags to the store? I see many still walking out with piles of plastic! Thanks for the poem, a good reminder!

- Linda Baie

Apr 07, 2018 5:21 AM EDT

New habits take so long to establish! We usually remember our reusable shopping bags, but it took us a long time to set up a system to get them back out to the car after we used them. Now we hang them on a kitchen chair & grab them on the way back out. Our group is hoping that people will find ways to remember to bring their borrowed bags back to the store for someone else to borrow. So far, they just keep disappearing, which is fine as long as they are being used!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 07, 2018 7:58 AM EDT

Wow! What a wonderful endeavor you have begun....so important. And, it must feel good to be active in a positive way for our environment. Lately, I've been distraught at seen roll backs in so many areas. A simple thing of a resusable shopping bag. I wonder if I could find a group of kids at my school to get in on a project such as this. We could use old t-shirts. I think I've seen a youtube video on this. I'm going to have to find it again. The poem is such a good one to share with young and older than young alike. Thank you!

- Linda Mitchell

Apr 07, 2018 11:09 AM EDT

Really great to meet you at Bag It! I had no idea you were such a prolific writer. I will plan to bring my iron for the next sewing session. I am looking for some material to drop on your door step. More to come. India

- India McCanse

Apr 07, 2018 11:40 AM EDT

Linda, getting kids involved is a great idea! I just googled "t shirt tote bag" & found lots of patterns online. You can find out more about the Boomerang Bags project at http://boomerangbags.org/ Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

India, good to meet you, too! I usually iron at Sewing Bees, so we can both set up our ironing boards next time!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 08, 2018 3:23 AM EDT

Amen and Amen! Love the reusable bag project!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Apr 08, 2018 12:09 PM EDT

Yea for all those who take steps to help our planet! I'm part of a group in Indiana that spends time picking up trash from the river and creeks that run through our county. I'm also getting much better about remembering my reusable shopping bag. And a youth in our church has inspired quite a few of us to give up plastic straws and lids when we go out to eat. All these small steps add up.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 08, 2018 2:36 PM EDT

Thanks, Mary Lee and Kay! I am cheered to hear from trash picker uppers & reusable bag users everywhere! Yes, small steps do add up!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 08, 2018 4:45 PM EDT

Love the straightforward language of your poem--great message for kids and former kids!

- Buffy Silverman

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The View from Our Kitchen

December 21, 2017

Tags: Through the Window, woodpecker, Poetry Friday

              Through the Window

              Woodpecker tilts his head
flash of red
               banded cheek
               pointed beak
pecks at the suet
              peeks in the window
              watches me watching him
                cautiously motionless
                watching him watching me
                taking in that feathered scene
              both of us filling up

              JoAnn Early Macken

Buffy Silverman has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at Buffy's Blog. Enjoy!

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12 Comments

Comments

Dec 22, 2017 6:09 AM EST

I love this!

- Ruth (thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com)

Dec 22, 2017 6:09 AM EST

You often make me want to have a feeder, JoAnn. This is a winter scene we all imagine. Merry Christmas!

- Linda Baie

Dec 22, 2017 6:31 AM EST

Thank you, Ruth! Linda, I'm lucky that my husband takes care of the feeders & I get to take in the view! Merry Christmas to you, too!

- JoAnn Macken

Dec 22, 2017 8:21 AM EST

Love how you've captured your downy watching you watching him. This morning at yoga I watched two downy's perched on a trunk--made the down dogs much easier!

- Buffy Silverman

Dec 22, 2017 12:45 PM EST

Thanks, Buffy! Oh, but yoga. I tried to do 108 Sun Salutations yesterday for the Winter Solstice. Made it just over halfway. I'm blaming it on the video we watched, which was very slow & made the downward dogs last forever. We did 108 2 years ago, & I don't remember it being so hard! My arms ache today, but as soon as I can, I plan to finish the rest of those Sun Salutations. Wish me luck!

- JoAnn Macken

Dec 23, 2017 7:41 AM EST

Lovely poem, JoAnn. I love watching our birds, too. Your ending is perfect - we also fill up while watching these miraculous creatures. Something we learned this winter - bear may exit their dens even when it's been freezing cold and the ground is white. Two days ago a bear with paw prints the size of my husband's spread hand absconded with our hanging feeder, carried it into the woods and ate all the seed. I thought the bear were tucked up tight until March at least.

- Joyce Ray

Dec 23, 2017 10:37 AM EST

Wow, Joyce! My sister-in-law in Colorado brought her hummingbird feeders inside every night because a bear pulled one down, along with the post it was hanging on. Enjoy the view--from inside!

- JoAnn Macken

Dec 24, 2017 4:47 AM EST

Do they watch us with as much appreciation as we have for them?

- Mary Lee

Dec 24, 2017 7:42 AM EST

Thanks for your fun woodpecker poem Joann! I rarely see the woodpeckers at a feeder, though I do see and hear them in the trees. I like the peck-peck-pecking sound you've created through your rhythmic poem. Happy Holidays!

- Michelle Kogan

Dec 25, 2017 12:53 AM EST

Your final line says it all. I get such a deep pleasure from bird watching. Now I'm going to wonder if they're watching me as well!

- Molly Hogan

Dec 25, 2017 6:42 AM EST

Yes, we definitely benefit from watching the birds at the feeders. My husband just made a squirrel house & hung it in front of another window--more fun!

- JoAnn Macken

Dec 26, 2017 9:22 AM EST

What a lovely moment you've captured.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

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Recipe for Morning

December 14, 2017

Tags: Recipe for Morning, recipe poem, Poetry Friday

              Recipe for Morning

              One dog
              One sunrise-red sky
              One wind-chilled field
              One ball—watch it fly!
              One scramble-sprint-leap
              One catch dropped at my feet

              Repeat

              JoAnn Early Macken

This poem was inspired by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s “Recipe for Joy." Check it out and try your own recipe poem.

Amy's new book Read! Read! Read! brought back memories of reading comics, road signs, and cereal boxes. Enjoy!

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Random Noodling.

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13 Comments

Comments

Dec 15, 2017 5:15 AM EST

Wonderful poem! I adore these recipe poems!

- BJ Lee

Dec 15, 2017 5:46 AM EST

Love this happy, outdoorsy recipe, JoAnn! The sounds are wonderful when read aloud.

- Tabatha

Dec 15, 2017 8:00 AM EST

JoAnn--I never had a dog who would drop a ball at my feet. It always involved a tackle before the repeat!

- Diane Mayr

Dec 15, 2017 8:05 AM EST

Brava! Enjoyed your poem, JoAnn. So vivid!

- jama

Dec 15, 2017 8:29 AM EST

Thanks, everyone! The recipe form was simple & fun to work with.

Diane, our Rosy drops the ball & then grabs it again. We have to be quick to keep the game going!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Dec 15, 2017 5:21 PM EST

That is pure puppy perfection. I love it.

- Brenda

Dec 15, 2017 5:49 PM EST

Amy's and your poem are great, JoAnn. Those recipes bring up an image just right every time.
One poem
add words to fill
the bowl, then swirl
to mix it well
for those who love
poetic pics
who bake them in
their memories!

Happy Holidays, JoAnn

- Linda Baie

Dec 15, 2017 11:08 PM EST

What a great recipe poem! I'm definitely going to have to play around with this form. Such fun!

- Molly Hogan

Dec 16, 2017 9:33 AM EST

What a fun poem and a delicious recipe for morning!

- Kay McGriff

Dec 16, 2017 10:56 AM EST

Your recipe made me smile, JoAnn. Thanks!

- Buffy Silverman

Dec 17, 2017 2:31 AM EST

Love this. Brings back so many good memories of dogs long gone.

- Mary Lee Hahn

Dec 17, 2017 5:22 PM EST

Great poem. It put right there with my dog when she was younger. I wish e could play catch again.

- Linda Mitchell

Dec 18, 2017 4:46 AM EST

Thank you all!

Linda, what a fun way to think of poetry! I especially love "add words to fill / the bowl, then swirl / to mix it well."

Rosy just turned two, & I already miss the days when she could curl up in my lap. Not at 70 pounds! I'm glad we can enjoy the ball games!

Happy holidays to all!

- JoAnn Macken

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Spring in Wisconsin

April 21, 2017

Tags: Robin, Spring, Poetry Friday, National Poetry Month

Cold, damp, dreary day.
Robin’s sunny reminder:
Cheeriup! Cheer up!

JoAnn Early Macken

Happy National Poetry Month! Happy Poetry Friday! Tabatha Yeatts is hosting the roundup at The Opposite of Indifference.

Next week, I'll host the Poetry Friday Roundup at the Teaching Authors blog. Enjoy!

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14 Comments

Comments

Apr 21, 2017 4:46 AM EDT

I'm sitting here on a dreary, rainy day in Massachusetts listening to the robin's daytime song. Eery that this should arrive just now. :-) Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/blog/

- Christie Wyman

Apr 21, 2017 5:21 AM EDT

Timing is everything, right? I hope your day brightens!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 21, 2017 7:51 AM EDT

Amazingly we have a cold and damp day today too, JoAnn, am happy for the moisture. You've written it exactly right, the robins are still singing!

- Linda Baie

Apr 21, 2017 8:05 AM EDT

We are way over our average moisture for the year here, but I guess everyone's weather is weird these days! So happy for those robins & their cheery message!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 21, 2017 11:57 AM EDT

I do hope spring finds her way to you soon, perhaps it is already there, just waiting in the wings!

- Whispers from the Ridge

Apr 21, 2017 12:16 PM EDT

I hope so, too! I'm heading outside now with the dog to find out!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 21, 2017 12:52 PM EDT

Love the robin's song. Spring will arrive soon! All that rain will bring May flowers . . .

- jama

Apr 21, 2017 1:46 PM EDT

Yes, we are hopeful, aren't we? It's gorgeous outside right now, so I'm going out to check out the flower beds. Lots of green poking up!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 21, 2017 3:27 PM EDT

This is a timely poem after much rain last night and clouds lingering through today, but the robins do remind me to cheeriup!

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 21, 2017 7:05 PM EDT

I could use that merry cheeriup, especially during this cold and rainy spring! :-)

- Jane @ Raincity Librarian

Apr 21, 2017 8:54 PM EDT

A lovely, timely poem and photo. Our trees are budding up, and it's a rebirth of joy in the soul.

- Brenda at friendlyfairytales.com

Apr 22, 2017 3:49 AM EDT

Thank you for the robin-y reminder!

- Mary Lee

Apr 22, 2017 6:10 PM EDT

Today feels like spring here at last. I even got a little gardening in! Hoping for sunshine for all tomorrow!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 25, 2017 8:06 AM EDT

Robins make me smile. And so does your haiku. Love the last line.

- Penny Parker Klostermann

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Owls, After the Storm

April 14, 2017

Tags: owls, Poetry Friday, National Poetry Month

              Nightly Owl Check

              We heard their gentle hoots before we found
              the great horned silhouettes in their new tree,
              one doting parent tearing prey apart
              to feed their fluffy feather duster chick.

              Too young to fly, it must have fallen when
              the storm hit their dilapidated nest,
              now draped like curtains down the old tree’s trunk.

              The crows cried out their warnings all day long.
              They must have seen the flapping owlet climb.
              We missed it, but all’s well. We head back home.

              JoAnn Early Macken

Happy National Poetry Month! Happy Poetry Friday! The roundup is at Dori Reads. Enjoy!

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14 Comments

Comments

Apr 14, 2017 8:25 AM EDT

Wonderful poem and photos. Love spotting owls in our back yard and hearing their hoots :). "Feather duster chick" made me smile.

- jama

Apr 14, 2017 9:59 AM EDT

Thank you, Jama! My husband finds an owl nest almost every year. The photo is from last year's family.

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 14, 2017 12:08 PM EDT

Appreciations for creating & sharing this vivid life lesson in poem form about that fallen owlet who is like a "feather duster" * the storm-torn nest.
"draped like curtains down the old tree’s trunk." How hopeful to know the parents were not giving up. (Even if it is difficult to see another animal torn up for dinner.

(As a personal aside, our gal in Boston witnessed something similar on the campus of Northeastern just this week, with cries/screams of the animal the raptor caught, no less. . . .)

Your poems always move me, JoAnn. So good to visit on Poetry Friday.

- Jan/Bookseedstudio

Apr 14, 2017 1:18 PM EDT

Glad owls are safe and sound, JoAnn. I was nervous. Thank you for this lovely poem. I, too, loved "feather duster chick." Such a great image! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/blog/

- Christie Wyman

Apr 14, 2017 2:26 PM EDT

This poem had me in its grip, JoAnn! What a fantastic story (and an incredible photo, too). I especially love the juxtaposition of tearing apart prey in one line and feather duster chick in the next. I was so excited to see an owl asleep in our back yard a few weeks ago. It was my first sighting!

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Apr 14, 2017 3:04 PM EDT

Oh, thank you all! The nest is in a yard a few blocks away from our house. We walk over often to spy on the owls. We worried when we saw the nest in shreds, so we were happy to see the family reunited.

- JoAnn Early Macken

Apr 14, 2017 7:17 PM EDT

Great poem, and I'm so glad it has a happy ending!

- Linda Kulp Trout

Apr 15, 2017 4:11 AM EDT

Owls fascinate me and I was in the grips of your poem from start to finish. I'm so relieved it had a happy ending. I love the "feather duster chick" description and delighted in your fantastic photo.

- Molly Hogan

Apr 15, 2017 5:15 AM EDT

Great photo! Glad your poem had a happy ending!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Apr 15, 2017 8:04 AM EDT

Wonderful photo, and I like the drama in the poem.

- Brenda at friendlyfairytales.com

Apr 15, 2017 1:34 PM EDT

Beautiful capture of this moment, JoAnn. A favorite memory is walking with my husband's aunt on their farm, watching for the great horned owls in their woods. I've seen crows help others, love that you included that, too.

- Linda Baie

Apr 16, 2017 5:20 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone! Yes, I'm relieved about the happy ending, too! I looked for the family yesterday, but they were all hidden again. While writing the poem, I found several sources online that explained how an owlet can climb a trunk. At least now I know they can move around safely even though the owlet can't fly yet.

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 16, 2017 1:13 PM EDT

Wow, that must have been quite an experience. I love listening to the owls call to one another in our woods. Nice work.

- Doraine BEnnett

Apr 16, 2017 3:17 PM EDT

I'm glad to learn of the happy ending for the little owl and the bigger ones. I frequently hear owls around our place, but I haven't looked for them. I'm tempted to go on an owl hunt to see what I might spy!

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

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Daffodils!

April 6, 2017

Tags: National Poetry Month, Poetry Friday, daffodils

              Gravitational Pull

              A constellation of daffodils
              brightens our dining room table,
              stems aligned in a spiral ascending
              to petal stars.

              We cluster around,
              planets in orbit,
              drawn to the light.

              JoAnn Early Macken

Happy National Poetry Month! Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Live Your Poem. Enjoy!

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13 Comments

Comments

Apr 07, 2017 4:35 AM EDT

Your picture made me pause and click on your link because I love daffodils! Beautiful poem, love the lines:
"stems aligned in a spiral ascending
to petal stars."

- Ramona

Apr 07, 2017 7:17 AM EDT

Our daffodils have come and gone, so it's especially nice to see your pic and read your poem. Yes, drawn to the light :). Happy Spring and Happy Poetry Month!

- jama

Apr 07, 2017 7:39 AM EDT

Thank you, Ramona and Jama! Here in Wisconsin, only the bravest (and most sheltered) daffodils are blooming outside. We're happy to find them in stores so early in spring!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 07, 2017 8:57 AM EDT

I never thought much about daffodils before, but they represent the local Cancer Foundation, and ever since my dad was diagnosed with cancer last month, I've found an extra level of joy in their bright yellow sunshine. When faced with the unpredictable reality of life, you really realise the importance of slowing down and enjoying all the everyday wonders that nature provides, like a cheery, sunshine yellow bunch of daffodils on a bright spring morning.

- Jane @ Raincity Librarian

Apr 07, 2017 10:09 AM EDT

I especially love the second stanza!

- Liz

Apr 07, 2017 10:16 AM EDT

Jane, yes, especially in difficult times, we must remember to slow down and pay attention to nurturing nature. Best of luck to you and your dad!

Liz, thank you! I started the poem when I woke up yesterday--the flowers were the first thing I saw, at least once I had coffee in my hand. The second stanza came to me much later as I walked the dog. Funny how that works sometimes!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 07, 2017 1:46 PM EDT

Oh, I love that constellation! How could we NOT orbit that light? Gorgeous!

- Irene Latham

Apr 07, 2017 3:01 PM EDT

It's wonderful to think of us circling those beautiful daffodils, in orbit, unable to move on they are so gorgeous. You've caught us exactly!

- Linda Baie

Apr 07, 2017 7:53 PM EDT

Thank you, Irene! Thank you, Linda! I'm happy to hear you agree!

- JoAnn Macken

Apr 08, 2017 12:37 PM EDT

Lovely daffodils and lovely poem to brighten my day.

- Kay Jernigan McGriff

Apr 09, 2017 6:59 PM EDT

Such a gorgeous poem, JoAnn! I'm drawn to its own gravitational pull.

- Michelle Heidenrich Barnes

Apr 13, 2017 3:02 PM EDT

LOVE daffodils. Sad to see them go for another year...but here come the trillium under the oak tree!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Apr 13, 2017 7:11 PM EDT

Thank you, Kay & Michelle! Mary Lee, trillium already? Wow! I can't wait!

- JoAnn Macken

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Orchid Spray

September 15, 2016

Tags: orchid, Poetry Friday

              Star-shaped, dawn-colored,
              freckle-faced flowers
              perch on their branch
              like a flock of finches
              peering over each other's shoulders.

This week's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Today's Little Ditty. Enjoy!

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Open the Door!

September 9, 2016

Tags: Poetry Friday, Mary Oliver, poetry camp

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to a part of the country I've never visited before to take part in Western Washington University's Poetry Camp. I'm excited about the trip and the people I'll meet there--fellow poet/presenters whose poems are included in the Poetry Friday Anthology series compiled by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong and the audience of teachers, librarians, and writers.

This summer has been loaded with distractions, so on a recent trip to the library, I grabbed an armload of poetry books to study so I could focus on poetry again. I started with Ted Kooser, whose work feels so comfortable, comforting, and at the same time eye-opening. I read his sweet Valentines and then his brilliant Delights and Shadows. That one made me want to write a bit, so I contributed a quick draft to Laura Purdie Salas's 15 Words or Less Poems yesterday. I felt a little bit like a poet again.

Today, I started my morning with Mary Oliver's Owls and Other Fantasies. Here's what jumped out at me:

...Listen, everyone has a chance.
Is it spring, is it morning?

Are there trees near you,
and does your own soul need comforting?
Quick, then--open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away.

--from "Such Singing in the Wild Branches"

and

...Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,

even in the leafless winter,
even in the ashy city.
I am thinking now of grief, and getting past it;

I feel my boots
trying to leave the ground,
I feel my heart
pumping hard. I want

to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.

--from "Starlings in Winter"

I'm always looking for something when I read; often, I don't know what. I found something today in the poems quoted here and also in "Yes! No!"

"To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work."

Always a good thing to remember, I think, both for writing and for life.

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at The Poem Farm. Enjoy!

Comments

Sep 09, 2016 8:04 AM EDT

Always a treat to read Oliver's words. Have fun at Poetry Camp!

- jama

Sep 09, 2016 8:09 AM EDT

Thank you, Jama! I can't wait!

- JoAnn Macken

Sep 09, 2016 1:23 PM EDT

That Poetry Camp is sounding more and more delightful, JoAnn, like Oliver's poem. There is always something, isn't there? " Quick, then--open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away." Wise words as so many of hers are. Glad you're moving into poetry again, and have fun in the NW!

- Linda Baie

Sep 09, 2016 7:22 PM EDT

Thanks, Linda! Yes, I'm really enjoying poetry again. So thankful for libraries!

- JoAnn Macken

Sep 10, 2016 3:06 AM EDT

Enticing little snippets of poetry you've shared, JoAnn. Thus far I count three of us in the PoetryFriday crew who have doors opening this week. Wondering who else I'll find as I continue my wanders. Enjoy your poetry camp!

- katswhiskers

Sep 10, 2016 5:05 AM EDT

I SO wish I could have made the Poetry Camp happen! Have fun and post lots!!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Sep 10, 2016 12:01 PM EDT

Thanks for sharing this Mary Oliver book! I must add it to my collection. Have fun at your poetry camp!

- Kiesha-Whispers from the Ridge

Sep 11, 2016 7:33 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone, for the comments and good wishes. I'm always happy to hear about doors opening--maybe it's the time of year? Good luck to all!

- JoAnn Macken

Sep 11, 2016 7:44 AM EDT

Have a wonderful time at the camp. Your snippets make my heavy feet feel lighter and the beginnings of a chirping in my heart. Wish I could go to poetry camp one day.

- Brenda at friendlyfairytales.com

Sep 11, 2016 7:53 AM EDT

Hooray for lighter hearts and fresh beginnings! I'm so glad to hear about yours!

- JoAnn Macken

Sep 15, 2016 8:57 AM EDT

"I felt a little bit like a poet again." Wise you to find the words that give this part of you back to you. I understand. Thank you for this buffet of beauties...and oh, have a marvelous time in Seattle! I will be with you in spirit! xx

- Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Sep 15, 2016 9:17 AM EDT

Thank you, Amy--nice to find that understanding! You will be with us in spirit & also in our group presentation (with Greg Pincus & Jone Rush MacCulloch) on blogging.

- JoAnn Macken

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Back to You-Know-What Book Giveaway!

August 22, 2014

Tags: haiku, Poetry Friday, Book Giveaway, back to school

Wisconsin River canoe trip, July 2014

My husband and many other teachers return to their classrooms next week. Every year around this time, I can't help thinking about trying to cram in every last summer activity I can before it's too late. (We finally took our first tandem bike ride of the year!)

This morning's mysterious fog curtain inspired a haiku:

Last vacation day--
              swim, bike, soccer, jump rope, skate?
              Rain! Write a poem.

              Book Giveaway: Write a Poem Step by Step!

              Add a comment to this post by midnight on Labor Day (September 1) to enter to win an autographed paperback copy of Write a Poem Step by Step. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you for mailing and personalizing info. (You can email it to me if you prefer--use the "Write to JoAnn" link on the left.) I'll choose a random winner on Tuesday, September 2, when the students go back to school. Good luck!

              Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Live Your Poem... with Irene Latham. Enjoy!

              JoAnn

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Comments

Aug 22, 2014 11:50 AM EDT

Wonderful giveaway - and wonderful poem that actually highlights the flexibility of teachers, too! When things, like weather and guest speakers and lack of a certain color paper threaten well-laid plans, teachers just go with the flow...write a poem instead!

- Donna Smith

Aug 22, 2014 6:45 PM EDT

Yes, JoAnn! Write a poem. The answer to pretty much anything. :) I would love a copy of the book: irene@irenelatham.com

- Irene Latham

Aug 22, 2014 10:45 PM EDT

I know what you mean about back-to-school blues, classes also just started in my university. Writing a poem as breather sounds like a good plan indeed.

- Myra from GatheringBooks

Aug 23, 2014 8:06 AM EDT

Donna, yes, teachers must be endlessly flexible! Irene, I agree (& keep realizing over & over) that poetry is the answer to pretty much everything! Myra, wishing you the best of luck (& poetry) for the new school year!

- JoAnn Macken

Aug 24, 2014 4:47 AM EDT

JoAnn, I was just going to write to you to see if you had a poem/pic for the Summer Serenity Gallery and voila! it is here in your blog. Serendipity! You captured the love of a relaxing vacation day in this haiku. The ending was a pleasant surprise for me and expresses it all. The wonder of the day concludes with a reflective thought. I would love a signed copy of your book. Perhaps, it will be one of the resources for my reflective writing workshops this fall. Carol Varsalona cvarsalona@gmail.com. Please let me know if I can combine your pic/poem for the gallery that should be unveiled at the end of August.
See: http://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2014/08/summer-serenity-photo-essay-unfolds-in.html

- Carol Varsalona (@cvarsalona)

Aug 24, 2014 7:27 PM EDT

A rainy day is a perfect day to write a poem (but then again any weather is perfect for writing poems). I'd love to be entered in the drawing. bridget@bridgetmagee.com

- Bridget Magee

Sep 02, 2014 5:35 AM EDT

The random number generator picked Irene's entry to win an autographed copy of Write a Poem Step by Step. Congratulations, Irene! Your book will be on its way when I receive your autographing and mailing instructions.

Thanks to everyone who entered--look up to the next post for another chance to win!

- JoAnn

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Back to—Eeek!

August 23, 2013

Tags: chrysalis, Back to—Eeek!, Poetry Friday, monarch butterflies

I’ve always found back-to-school ads annoying. I don’t need reminders of all the things I should have done more of over the summer—camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, and everything else outside. I’ll miss the long, leisurely—wait. Who am I kidding? For me, as for most writers I know, summer is as hectic as the school year. It’s just less structured.

This summer, like the past several summers, I’ve spent large chunks of time observing, photographing, and writing about monarch butterflies. I’ve gathered monarch eggs, protected them in a mosquito net tent in our backyard, and watched them hatch, grow through all their caterpillar stages, form chrysalises, pop out as butterflies, and fly away. I’ve propagated milkweed plants, given them away, and planted them in various sunny spots. It’s all research. And the monarchs need all the help they can get!

I’ve also crossed some significant tasks off my to-do list, volunteered for a couple of causes I believe in, and helped my handy husband with projects around the house. Now I face the regular schedule that teaching requires, along with the deadlines, planning, and focus on other people’s work.

And so I make the inevitable transition, slowly, plodding, dragging my feet until the moment when I can look ahead with enthusiasm. Classes begin next week. My syllabuses are ready and sent off to my students. It’s almost time!

Here’s a poem I wrote with that transition in mind. The Fib is a counted-syllable form in which the number of syllables in each line corresponds to the Fibonacci sequence: 1-1-2-3-5-8.

Chrysalis

              I’m
              green,
              fluid,
              transforming.
              Forgive me. I’ll be
              ready to fly any day now.

Birthday Sale!
Instead of focusing on back-to-school reminders, I’m celebrating my birthday, starting now. (We do everything Early, as my family likes to say.) Write a Poem Step by Step is on sale (20% off! Only $6.39!) through October 9 if you order it from this site. Enjoy!

Poetry Friday
The Poetry Friday Roundup is at I Think in Poems.
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Turning Points

July 18, 2013

Tags: Turning Points, Poetry Friday

I’m back—and happy to report that all is well. After an amazing six months, during which our son was diagnosed with leukemia, treated with three grueling rounds of chemotherapy, and (thank Goodness!) declared cancer free, I’m thrilled to be back at my desk.

Yesterday, I forced myself to keep my Butt in Chair until I finished yet another revision of a nonfiction poetry collection. Although it was crucial to the process, that step—compiling research and verifying facts—felt a bit like drudgery. I’m glad I made myself stay put. Part of what enabled me to keep moving forward was that I expect to have more fun playing with language during the next step.

This morning, I heard my first cicada of the summer, which inspired this poem:

              Turning Point

              Cicada buzz signals
              the halfway point of summer.
              Quick, I tell myself,
              don’t miss this chance
to picnic
              garden
camp
canoe
              and swim.

              Absorb the heat,
              each sparrow chirp,
              and every rosebud’s scent.

              Stock up on sandy footprints,
              sunlight on bare skin,
that fresh tomato flavor.

              Set aside provisions,
enough to tide us over
till next spring.

I didn’t recognize the connections between these events until I entered the title of the poem (and now the post), which fits just about everything I’m going through right now.

Wow.

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Check It Out.

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Meteor Showers, Poetry Link, and Poetry Friday

December 14, 2012

Tags: Poetry Friday, Meteor Shower poem, Poetry Link

Lake Superior in daylight

Last summer during a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, my husband and I made our way to the shore of Lake Superior to watch the Perseid meteor shower. Late at night, in the dark, we had the whole beach to ourselves. In about an hour, we counted 51 meteors!

Last night, when we heard about the Geminid meteor shower, we took a quick trip to a park north of Milwaukee to escape the city lights. We didn't stay nearly as long--it is December, after all--but we saw enough to make the effort worthwhile. Here is a draft 0f a poem I wrote this morning.

Meteor Shower

              Stars lit our way
              down the steep, winding path
              through tall, naked trees
              to the wide-open beach.

              Wrapped up in blankets,
              we waited, laughing.
              Waves crashed on shore,
              and bright streaks of light
              flew between stars.
              Oooh! Ah! We counted aloud.

              Sand in our hair,
              we climbed back up, quiet,
              turning around
              for one last look
              through tall, naked trees
              on the steep, winding path.
              Stars lit our way.

Poetry Link: Your Daily Poem, where you'll find "poetry that is touching, funny, provocative, inspiring, and surprising." I'm enjoying finding a poem in my Inbox every day.

Book Giveaway: Don't forget to visit TeachingAuthors.com to enter the Book Giveaway!

Poetry Friday: Today's Roundup is at Jama's Alphabet Soup. Enjoy!

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Weird Weather Poem, Bookmarkable Links, and Poetry Friday

November 30, 2012

Tags: Poetry Friday, Weird Weather poem, Bookmarkable Links, Book Giveaway, TeachingAuthors.com

Missing Hue

When grass is all done growing,
and it’s not yet time for snowing,
there’s a neither/almost season in between
when leaves turn brown and wrinkly,
and they twirl to Earth all crinkly.
Every fall, I wonder what became of green.

I wrote this poem last year at the end of August. This year in Wisconsin, only one day away from December (and the start of winter parking regulations), fall is really hanging on. In about a week, Milwaukee could break its record for the longest stretch of days (279) without a measurable snowfall. And the forecast shows temperatures well above freezing for most of the week ahead. The last time it snowed here was March 4th.

I’m a hibernator by nature, so I wouldn’t mind a warmer winter—except that I suspect our local weird weather is part of a dangerous global pattern. Given a choice, I’d sleep away winter or spend it reading and writing. But the dog drags me out for a walk, and once I’m outside, wrapped in layers of SmartWool, Cuddl Duds, and fleece, I know I’ll be fine. I wish I could say the same for our planet.

Bookmarkable Links
I don’t remember who pointed me to this wonderful resource, but it’s definitely worth exploring. "The Poetry of Joyce Sidman: A Guide for Educators" includes tips for using her books as jumping-off points for discussions and student (or your own) writing, including poems in many exciting forms. Joyce recently won the 2013 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Visit her web site to find even more poem starters and a pep talk, which we all need once in a while. Thank you, Joyce!

This week, Laura Purdie Salas's 15 Words or Less Poems are inspired by a painting. I tried one. You should, too!

Jama Kim Rattigan has a final feast of peanut butter poems at Jama's Alphabet Soup. What a tasty treat!

Book Giveaway
Next Friday, December 7, I'll be back at TeachingAuthors.com for a Book Giveaway. (Yippee!) Visit me there for a chance to win an autographed copy of Write a Poem Step by Step.

Poetry Friday
Today’s Poetry Friday Roundup is at The Poem Farm.

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A Winner, a Poem, and That Light at the End of the Tunnel

November 18, 2012

Tags: Morning Pages, Book Giveaway, Write a Poem Step by Step, Poetry Friday, TeachingAuthors.com, Thanku poem

I’m nearing the end of a freelance project on top of my most demanding teaching semester ever: two classes at Mount Mary College and two classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education. I love my students, who keep delighting me with their brilliant and creative approaches to poems and stories. Another thing that helps me keep going is to write a little bit every day—and every bit counts, including Morning Pages, Laura Purdie Salas’s 15 Words or Less Poems, and even blog posts.

On Friday, using a Random Number Generator, I picked the winner of the Book Giveaway. Congratulations to Deborah Holt Williams, who will receive an autographed copy of Write a Poem Step by Step. I started a blog post announcement, including a haiku about the status of my workspace as the end of the semester approaches. I hoped to take part in Poetry Friday, but I got stuck on the poem, so I went out and mailed the book (I hope you enjoy it, Deborah!) and attended to a list of errands.

On Saturday, after a walk along the river, I approached the poem again, along with the freelance project, the last of my student work for one class (hooray!), and just before bedtime, a picture book critique.

Now it’s Sunday, too late for Poetry Friday, and I’m reminded again of that lesson about letting a draft evolve on its own schedule. Today, finally, the poem says something more like what I meant to express.

              To-do lists collect
              like snowdrifts, teeter, topple,
              fan across the floor.

I could use a snow shovel (or maybe a plow!) on my workspace, but I’ll get to that, too, one of these days. The semester ends in less than three weeks!

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to a break for Thanksgiving. I’ll gather with most of my family. I’ll try my hand at a Thanku poem with my friends at TeachingAuthors.com. You should, too!

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Write a Poem Step by Step Poetry Tip, Poem, and Book Giveaway!

November 9, 2012

Tags: tip, poetry tip, Write a Poem Step by Step, Write About Something You Care About, Poetry Friday, The Piano, Chloe Strait

Today's Poetry Friday roundup is hosted by Think Kid, Think!

Today's post (my first on this blog!) includes an excerpt from my new book Write a Poem Step by Step. Book Giveaway details are below.

Write About Something You Care About

My first tip about choosing an idea applies to almost any kind of writing: Write about something you care about. How can you put your heart into a subject that doesn’t move you? If you try to write about something you don’t care about, you might have to force yourself to find something to say. You might struggle to write anything interesting at all. Your poem could suffer. It might even be boring. So write about something you feel strongly about.

That doesn’t necessarily mean something you like! Something that makes you feel an emotion, whether happy or sad, curious or angry, silly or serious, can make a good topic for a poem. Anything can be a subject if you are open to it: your shoes, the chair you’re sitting on, what you ate for breakfast—as long as you care about it.

Chloe’s poem shows how much piano music means to her and why.

The Piano

The piano reminds me of my grandma
When she played the beautiful sounds

The piano smells like an old library
When you step in and smell the old, dusty books

The piano makes me feel like I’m flying
Through white, fluffy clouds in the sky

The piano sounds like twinkling stars
The beautiful sounds are no louder than a soft MEOW from my cat

Chloe Strait, Grade 5

Put your whole heart into your poem. Go ahead and reveal your emotions. The effort will show in your writing.

Write a Poem Step by Step is available now from Lulu, amazon, Barnes&Noble, and local bookstores. See the links on the right to order.

Book Giveaway details: Post a comment here to enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Write a Poem Step by Step and tell me how you would use the book. Be sure to include your email address so I can notify you if you win and ask for your mailing address. Comments do not appear immediately.

I'll choose a winner at random one week from today from all entries posted by midnight Thursday, November 15. Good luck!

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Comments

Nov 09, 2012 11:16 AM EST

I write some poetry, mostly about my falls on the ski slopes (which I do care about), but I'd like to take it to the next level.

- Carol Neumann

Nov 09, 2012 3:02 PM EST

Such good advice: "Write about something you care about." I remind my students of this all the time. I also love the idea of the step-by-step to break down what can seem like an overwhelming process to struggling writers!

- Linda

Nov 09, 2012 5:52 PM EST

Hi JoAnn, I couldn't agree more. While I revel in codes and subtleties to mask my intentions in my poetry, somehow its varied shades of truth can be seen in one way or another. :) Thanks for all these tips.

- Myra from GatheringBooks

Nov 09, 2012 10:48 PM EST

What a great resource you've created for teachers and students, JoAnn! Thanks for sharing this sneak peek. I write children's poetry, but sometimes I think too hard about it. I think this book would be useful to help me "get back to basics" when I'm stuck. In fact, Chloe's lovely piano poem just gave me an idea!

- Renee LaTulippe (@ReneeMLaTulippe)

Nov 10, 2012 3:29 AM EST

Carol, I don't ski, but even I can imagine some exciting ideas for ski slope poems. Have fun!

Linda, I'm continually amazed by students' clever ideas and the creative ways they express themselves in poetry. Good luck with your students!

Myra, I revel in the sounds of words. Your "codes and subtleties" sound mysterious and intriguing--worth exploring for that elusive truth.

Renee, I'm always glad to hear about new ideas!

- JoAnn Early Macken

Nov 10, 2012 10:31 PM EST

I just ordered it, JoAnn--sounds delicious!

xxx,
a

- April Halprin Wayland

Nov 11, 2012 7:58 AM EST

Thank you, April! I hope you enjoy it! xox

- JoAnn Macken

Nov 13, 2012 3:44 AM EST

Hi JoAnn,
What a wonderful Website, blog and book! Your advice is so thorough and helpful. I have two children's books in the works, and every bit of advice helps. Thanks and have a great day!

- Tracey Kathryn

Nov 13, 2012 4:04 AM EST

JoAnn, I love your website! (I'm taking notes.) I already have your wonderful book. Thanks and keep up the great work!

Judy

- Anonymous

Nov 13, 2012 4:11 AM EST

Thank you, Katie! I'm glad to know you're working on children's books--I bet they'll be fun to read!

Judy, the web site needs updating (one of these days). I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the book! Thank you!

- JoAnn Macken

Nov 13, 2012 7:10 AM EST

When I worked with kids from the pueblos in NM who grew up without a written language, I found they loved poetry. My 11 year old grandson and I read The Highwayman recently and he thought it was cool. I think poetry needs to be a bigger part of the curriculum, not just in English class, but in history and math as well.

- Deborah Holt Williams

Nov 13, 2012 7:40 AM EST

I soooo agree - write about something you care about! Loved the piano poem!

- B.J. Lee

Nov 13, 2012 3:41 PM EST

Love this post and Chloe's poem, particularly the smell of the piano! I write poetry and am trying my hand at poetic picture book texts.

- Ellen

Nov 13, 2012 4:47 PM EST

Deborah, I'm always happy to hear about people who work with kids and poetry! I agree that poetry should be a bigger part of the curriculum--and so many wonderful anthologies address topics like history and math.

B.J., that lesson has stayed with me for many years.

Ellen, good luck with your poetic picture books!

- JoAnn Macken

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