Friday, January 26, 2018

Poetry Friday - Warm Up with Poetry

In February, a group is doing a poem a day (or as many as we can fit in or feel inspired to write), sponsored by Laura Shovan in celebration of her birthday/birth month.  She has done this for a number of years now, and this will be the first time I've participated.

I am hoping that I can keep up with the "task", as I have also been reading some inspirational books, and taken up a manuscript that I put down a couple of years ago.  There's not a poem to be found in it (yet.).  But recently, since reading parts of the books, the story has been flowing through me again, and I'm trying not to stop it.  I have just over 7000 words with perhaps a couple thousand more to go.  I've read it to my husband and son, and they liked it.  But then again, they like me and wouldn't want to make me cry.  I'm thinking of reading it to a group of fifth graders as it's probably good for grades 3-5.  Any suggestions as to how to get a decent "reading" on whether it is good for that age or as a read aloud for younger kids.

I've always been well received in classrooms reading a couple of short stories for k-1.  But being a teacher, I can't tell if they are responding to me or the actual story.  Okay!  I just talked it out enough.  I will have a different person read it aloud, and I will observe!  Thanks.  You guys give good advice!  And if you think of another idea, let me know.

Poetry is a good warm up though, for any writing, so I am going to try to keep at it until I can't fit it in.  That's silly when I listen to myself...  "can't fit it in..."  Right.  I can't NOT fit it in.

Yesterday was our first warm-up for the February challenge by Laura Shovan. We will be writing Ekphrastic poems, which are poems in response to some form of artwork.  Thursday's art was done by Joy Dickson, posted with permission of the artist.  My response is below it.

Daughter

Sometimes I look
Upon your face
And I see lace;
Sometimes I see
The fire
Behind your eyes -
Some hope
Some dream
And you have grown
In days it
Seems.

By Donna JT Smith
You will probably see other ekphrastic poetry today as you visit other Poetry Friday linkers at Carol's at Beyond LiteracyLink.

22 comments:

  1. This is one of my favorite poems from yesterday's prompt. (Okay, it's hard to pick just one favorite when they are all so good.) But this one speaks to my heart -- especially those ending lines -- as I watch my daughter take off and fly all the way in England. She is growing before my eyes.

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    1. Thanks, Kay. My grown daughter came to mind when I saw the art.

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  2. Donna, I am glad that you shared your thoughtful poem. It is touching and wonderful for all mothers to read.

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    1. I can't believe how the time flew, and now as you know, with a grandchild, it happens again!!

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  3. I'm hoping to work on today's warm up poem soon. Didn't make it yesterday, but I'm moved by what I've seen thus far. "See" you there, soon! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/

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  4. I'm glad that you're work-in-progress is coming along - there's nothing quite like the thrill of putting words to paper, and feeling the inspiration flow!

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    1. The sudden return to this piece has been fun, and yes, thrilling! The characters have suddenly started talking again after a long silence.

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  5. This poem resonates with me a great deal, as I have a sixteen year old girl, and these lines speak so much truth:
    "And you have grown
    In days it
    Seems."

    Where have all those days gone???

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    1. It seems a universal truth. Time is not a constant.

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  6. Gah! I missed the warm up. Doesn't bode well for me for the daily poems!

    I love your interpretation. I should probably go write before I read any more...

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    1. There is so much going on right now, it's a wonder we can remember anything. The next warm up is there now...

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  7. Thanks, Brenda! It's going to be a busy month, but fun!

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  8. This is simply beautiful and calm like the painting. "And you have grown..."
    I'm so glad to be writing with you in the February project. I will grow along side you!

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    1. I love that picture, though closer looks at it are a little disturbing. It reminds me of changes and time, of a young daughter asleep, and a mother in reflection...I guess that is the best art. It gives a distant feeling of something and a closeness at the same time.
      So...bring on the show and let's grow!

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  9. Those ending lines just clinch it. I read your poem in the warm up but so enjoyed reading it again. How exciting for you that you're reenergized to work on your manuscript. That word is daunting to me! Happy writing!

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    1. Thanks, Molly!
      Hey! 9112 words now! Hoping for 10,000, or maybe just a few over...almost done and ready for edits!

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  10. You've brought this portrait to life in such a personal way, Donna. It tugs at my heart. Thank you. Best of luck with your classroom "research"! :)

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! I'll let you know how I test drive it!

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  11. Good for you for all this commitment to your creativity, Donna! Keep those words coming. I saw the painting but have not stopped whirling-dervishing long enough to pen a new poem myself. Thanks for sharing yours; poignant!

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    1. I've felt I'm a tad on the whirling-dervishing spectrum lately, too! What's up with that? I was going to relax in retirement!

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  12. When I started my poem, I was thinking of my daughter but it turned out to be Mother Earth. I love how your poem turns to the fire behind her eyes. I have three daughters and each one has a bit of fire in them. Thanks for sharing and being you!

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