The thing is, I often have an idea I'd like to post but talk myself out of it because I don't feel that I can write it well enough to share in a short amount of time. I start analyzing every sentence and it never feels quite good enough. I'm trying to release (my one little word) that kind of thinking because it has kept me from getting the writing practice I need to grow. I've made an agreement with myself to write from my heart and only proofread/revise once. I'm going to try my best to stick to that agreement. Although I haven't posted, I do read and enjoy your posts every Friday. I want to join in the fun! So here goes!
It's Thursday 11:00 PM, and I just finished a first draft of a poem about something very special that happened this week. I wanted to get it down now while it's fresh in my mind. Like I said, it's in very rough form. I'm not sure if I'll do anything more with it or just let it be a memory to share with my granddaughter.
Mystery Seed
-for Evie and Grandpa
a gift for her grandpa
into his garden
what you might become
sheltered you
from beetles, weeds, and storms
and Grandpa’s love—
you thrived
until you no longer needed
his constant care
he sent her your picture
and she smiled
Evie and Grandpa's flower
Linda- I love this! If nothing else, it's a perfect love letter to your husband (I think that's who the grandpa is). I could see myself using it in a mini-lesson on how a character's actions tell who he/she is. This poem tells me a lot about this grandpa and his love for his granddaughter! Carol
ReplyDeleteCarol, thanks for the great suggestion on how to use this poem with students. Have you read "Grandpa's Shoes" by Deborah Chandra? That poem is also excellent for teaching character/action. : )
DeleteP.S. And yes to telling that inner critic to be quiet and just putting your words out into the world! They are plenty good! And this is a supportive and friendly community.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you post more often, Linda. This is lovely, to capture that memory for the seed, creative. Thank you for sharing a beautiful memory.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I'm going to try to post more. Tim really gets away. I hope you're enjoying your retirement!
DeleteWhat a wonderful poem describing such a special moment(s) for a grandpa and grandchild! So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSue- thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I know you have a lot of special moments with your grandchildren too. I enjoy seeing those pictures so much. Just think we knew each other when not so long ago, our boys were small. : )
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely poem. I can identify with your need to have "good" poems to share on Poetry Friday. Mine are never good enough, but I ask myself if I will regret not taking the risk. And the answer is always yes. And, the more I write the better I get (I hope.) LIVE BIG. DREAM BIGGER.
Joy- I look forward to seeing your poems too. It is so hard to put your heart out there, but I think taking a risk in such a caring community like Poetry Friday makes it easier. : )
DeleteA sweet way to capture this special gift. Glad you joined in today.
ReplyDeleteMargaret- thank you. Kind comments like yours are so encouraging! : )
DeleteThis is lovely, Linda--I loved that the you in the poem is the gift, and the way grandpa cared for it like he cared for the child. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteBuffy- thank you. I was hoping readers would get what I was trying to express. I appreciate your kind comment. : )
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