Linda Kulp Trout

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Poetry Friday: Celebrations and a Giveaway!


I’ve wanted to write this post for weeks, but with the unexpected loss of my mother-in-law, being under the weather for the past two weeks, and a crazy-busy schedule at school… Well, I just never got around to it until now.

I’m so proud to finally share my poems from the newest creation by our poetry superheroes Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong, The Poetry Friday Anthology for Celebrations.
 

I love every one of the anthologies in the Poetry Friday Anthology series.  I use all of them with my middle school students.  Janet and Sylvia have made it easy for teachers, parents, and librarians to access high-interest poems and activities that meet CCSS standards.  (I’ll be sharing some of the many ways I use the various editions in a future post.)  

I'm giving away a copy of the teacher/librarian edition of  CELEBRATIONS.  Leave a comment to enter. The winner will be randomly drawn Monday, April 20.



 
I wrote poems for four different holidays. I was thrilled to learn two of my poems were accepted!  The first poem is for National Good Neighbor Day!

 
I also wrote a poem for Veteran’s Day.  I’m a veteran so it meant a lot to me to have my poem included. I joined the Air Force forty-one years ago. Our country was just ending its involvement in Vietnam.  Joining the military was not popular at the time, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Here I am in my dress blues and fatigues.
The picture are pretty faded, but they were taken in 1974!
I had it easy. In those days, women weren’t permitted to serve in combat zones. My inspiration for the poem came from the men and women who risked their lives for our freedom. Every year, as a community service project, my students write thank you notes to our veterans. I wanted to do the same in the form of a poem. Veterans (and soldiers) are our true heroes!
DEAR VETERAN
You fought
for our freedom.                                                                                                                                   You kept our country safe.
Today we proudly honor you,
Hero.
-Linda Kulp Trout, all rights reserved
 
                                                                         
Be sure to stop by Robyn's place at Life on the Deckle Edge to read more about The Poetry Friday Anthology for Celebrations, an interview with Janet and Sylvia, and many other poetry offerings!

 

 

26 comments:

  1. Linda: your poems are so genuine, so full of heart--they are some of my favorites in the anthologies. Looking forward to being on the same panel with you at the PSLA (PA School Librarians) conference on Friday 5/1!

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    1. Janet- thank you for your kind words. I've said it many times, but it comes from my heart, I'm honored to be part of the anthologies. I believe in them!
      I'm looking forward to May 1 too!

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  2. Your poem is wonderful, Linda. Love your post and the photo. I did not know you are a veteran. Thank you for serving and for your poetry. Hug hug hug!

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    1. Thank you, Robyn! I wish I had a better photo of me in my uniform, but in those days, taking pictures was a lot more involved than it is today! I didn't even own a camera until my sons were born. : )

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  3. Hi, Linda, Congrats on your two poems in this terrific volume! I'm honored to share space with you with my 1 poem. Please don't enter me for the giveaway--I just wanted to say hi, partner! :)

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  4. Thanks so much for the lovely shout-out, Linda, and for both your wonderful poems. I agree that it's especially meaningful to have our Veteran's Day poem penned by a veteran! Thank you for your poem AND your service!

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    1. Sylvia- thank you for giving me the opportunity to write the poem. Having it in one of your anthologies makes me very happy. You and Janet have given teachers and librarians everything they need to immerse children in poetry!

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  5. Wonderful poems, Linda. Your good neighbor poem hits the sweet spot, and the pride glowing from your Veteran's Day poem is tangible. Please don't enter me in your giveaway since I already have a copy, but I'm proud to be sharing space with you in this wonderful edition! My condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law.

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    1. Hey, Michelle- your poem "Look for the Helpers" is so touching. I really love the lines "Hand-holding/Everyday heroes." So powerful! Also, what a brilliant idea to have Girl Scouts as the topic of your "Thinking About World Thinking Day" poem. I'm very proud to be sharing space with you too! It feels like a dream to have my name listed in the index among so many poets I admire!

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  6. Linda, how cool to learn new things about you. Congratulations on your two poems in the anthology -- and here's to many more!

    I'm glad you're beginning to feel better. You've been a great partner for our April Buddy Project! :)

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    1. Renee- Congratulations to you also on your poem being included. I love reading your poems because I always learn from your writing. I'm very grateful to be your buddy! : )

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  7. Thanks for the beautiful post and your past service. Best to you, Linda. <3

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    1. Lorie Ann- Your comment means a lot to me. I'm a huge fan of your writing. I thought I'd read all of them, but I just checked your webpage and saw that I somehow missed HIT. I just ordered it and can't wait to read it!

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  8. I would love a copy of your book! Hi, Jane Healy!

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    1. Hi Jane- I'm going to put all the names in a cup Monday night and have my husband choose the winner. I'll contact you through your blog, if you win! Good luck! : )

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  9. Linda, your post really moved me today when I learned you were a veteran. Many, many thanks for your service. Both poems are terrific; how fun to get to know you a little better after being "spread-mates" in Lee's LULLABY book! :0)

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    1. Robyn, my time in the Air Force was wonderful. I loved being in the military. I often regret not reenlisting.
      I was so tickled to see that we were spread-mates in LULLABY. Your milk poem is dear. My granddaughter giggled and when I read it to her. Thank you for the joy your poem brought her (and me too!). Hugs!

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  10. Beautiful poems, Linda! Thank you for sharing your poems and this fabulous anthology today. =)

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  11. Congrats on having your poems in the anthology! Enjoyed reading both of them. And thank you for your service (my mom was also a veteran). :)

    (No need to enter me, I have a copy too.)

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    1. Jama, Thank you! In which branch did you mother serve?

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  12. As Janet said, one can tell your poems are very heartfelt...congrats on your publication! (no need to enter me in the drawing, I have my copies!)
    Thank you also for your service - it's very much appreciated.

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    1. Matt-thank you. Your comment means a lot to me!

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  13. It's interesting to look back on that time after the war, not always pleasant, I agree. Thanks for your service during that time. I love your poem honoring all those who serve. My father was killed in WWII, and many relatives served then, & in Korea. I grew up knowing how much they gave for our freedom. I love your neighbor poem, too, what every welcome should be.

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    1. Linda- yes, that was a difficult time for our country and for soldiers. It's sad that the soldiers returning from Vietnam were not given the welcome home they deserved.

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  14. I'm proud to have my poems living in the same book with yours! (no need to enter me for the drawing!)

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