First Picture
When Mama showed
your picture to me—
a little dot
was all I could see.
So then I wondered,
Who would you be?
A brother, a sister—
it didn’t matter to me.
Because that little dot,
I could see—
was already part
of our family.
©2017 Linda Kulp Trout
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Have you read THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds? If not, I hope you will, especially if you have young children. The story will inspire you to make your mark and follow your own creativity.
I wanted to write a poem to celebrate International Dot Day, but I couldn't decide on what I wanted my "dot" poem to be about. Then, last night I read a new book by the very talented Cynthia Rylant titled LIFE. The very first line in the book is "Life begins small." I stopped and read it again. "Life begins small." Such a beautiful truth.
I wanted to write a poem to celebrate International Dot Day, but I couldn't decide on what I wanted my "dot" poem to be about. Then, last night I read a new book by the very talented Cynthia Rylant titled LIFE. The very first line in the book is "Life begins small." I stopped and read it again. "Life begins small." Such a beautiful truth.
It occurred to me that no matter if we are rich or poor, our race, religion, or where we live, we ALL begin the same way-- small.
Then I started thinking about the excitement of seeing that very first sonogram. That little human dot that sends the whole family dreaming about this new life. It's amazing that even before we are born, we begin to "make our mark" on the world. I wanted to celebrate that!
A big thank you to Michelle for hosting this week at Today's Little Ditty where you'll find more "dot" poems and other poetry wonders.
Thanks for stopping by!
Love your dot poem, Linda. A very smooth and easy read. And so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathyrn. Have a great weekend!
DeleteA dot poem. Hmmm. Cool idea. I love the book, and I saw the author speak. I love how much he leaves to the reader. I like how connected your dot is to the family.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, hearing him talk about this book must have been so interesting. I would love to have been there. It is a simple little message but such an important one.
DeleteI missed that today was International Dot Day, but I loved using Peter Reynold's books with my middle schoolers. Your poem captures that sweet excitement of a new life beginning. Indeed, we do all start small.
ReplyDeleteKay, middle schoolers with all they are going through figuring out their identity would surely benefit from THE DOT. I'm so glad you shared it with your students.
DeleteLinda, I love that you are celebrating Dot Day with a Dot poem. Your poem strikes a chord with me what with my grandbaby' christening this weekend. I remember the first sonogram I saw of her. Your last stanza is touching.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I know what you mean. As I was writing the poem, I thought about the first time I saw the sonogram for my first grandchild, and how I already felt connected to that tiny dot. : )
DeleteThis is a timely post for me, Linda, since earlier this week I showed my teenage daughter ultrasound pictures of when she was in utero. (A useful activity for a hurricane, no?) She was less than impressed, I'm sorry to say, but I bet she'll feel differently when she has a child of her own!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, yes, I'm sure your daughter will appreciate it more when she becomes a mama. They didn't do sonograms (unless there was a problem) when I was expecting my sons. I would have loved to have that picture to show them.
DeleteI love reading the story of your poem, Linda, & agree that Life is a wonderful book, as is your poem. That little dot holds the promise of so many good things!
ReplyDeleteLinda, it's amazing how one little dot can completely change your life! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour poem is a treasure, Linda! Aren't sonograms the most amazing thing? You should frame your poem with your grandchildren's ultrasound photos.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I didn't think of that. Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem, Linda. My Kindergarteners had fun making a dot and seeing where it took them. LIFE is on my TBR list! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteThat is a perfectly beautiful expression of the potential of a single dot. LOVE already part of our family.
ReplyDeleteWow - that is one important dot, and I love your story of how you came to that image for your poem. Wonderful! (& that C. R. book is on my TBR list, too!)
ReplyDeleteI love your dot poem! So sweet and smooth to read.
ReplyDelete