This is another poem from my book WRITE WITH ME. For each section in the book, I wrote a little story about the inspiration for the poem. There are also prompts and a space for writers to add their thoughts, poems, and stories. My hope is that sharing some of my personal poems and stories will encourage others to write about their own emotions and experiences.
A big thank you to Carol for hosting today's Poetry Friday on her blog The Apples in My Orchard.
NOTE: Comment moderation is installed on this blog so your comment will not appear until approved. I love your comments and read ever one of them! Thank you so much for taking time to share your thoughts.
Linda, Thank you for sharing more poetry from your book. This one really hits hard - you can just imagine a child thinking these thoughts, lying, and then thinking better of it after the fact. So true to life. I think it's important for kids to realize others have thoughts like the ones in your poem - and what they might feel like afterward if they act on falsehoods. (Probably more philosophical than you want but that's how I looked at it.) I love that the poem makes you think!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I hope readers will read it and realize they are not alone.
DeleteIt's heart-breaking to "know" the stories we don't know, isn't it? I'm reading a book now, Linda, about a boy who is in trouble for being late too often, but his mother is an addict & he misses the bus, has to run to get to school. . . Like your child, mixed feelings trying to protect the truth. Well done, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Over the years, I had many students with situations like the one you describe. It is heartbreaking.
DeleteLinda, this is a daring and wonderful poem. I love that you have invited others to share their emotions and experiences in a supportive way. We all have things that we are embarrassed about and are afraid to share, but we benefit to coming to terms with those demons. Thank you for taking the leap and helping others with your work!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracey. I agree it's important for children to see we all have things we are embarrassed about. By the way, I have tried several times to comment on your blog, but can't seem to get my comment to post. I'll keep trying! : )
DeleteSo powerful to give a voice to stories that might want to stay hidden, but that invite compassion when they are told.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee.
DeleteLinda, I am sad that the comment I wrote to you last night did not show up. Not sure why - Thanks for this serious and somber poem that might might other children know they are not alone in their feelings about being ashamed or embarrassed and lies. It might help them know that there are reprecushions to their actions - and think twice. Kids can be so generous and also so mean. Thank you for sharing more work from your book! ~ Carol Labuzzetta ~
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I use a comment moderator and have to approve before they appear. I'm so sorry for mix-up.
DeleteLinda, I bought your book and I'm using it with my students. This week they wrote about their names. I love how easy it is to pick up for a quick write. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat makes me so happy, Margaret! Thank you for letting me know about that. I hope it continues to be useful. xo
DeleteI was just listening to a Chalk&Ink podcast with Ha Din (WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW) and she spoke about how difficult it was to write about her personal experiences as a school child because she was embarrassed or afraid of rejection. Your poem captures that memory with simple poignancy, Linda. Thank you. for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia. Writing about personal experiences is scary, but I think by sharing them with each other, we all feel less alone. xo
DeleteWhen I was little I also slept on a fold out bed in the living room with my little sister, like the girl in your poem. It was a time before sleepovers. But I can feel the shame in your poem, and the need she felt to lie, and how kids would recognize themselves reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this poem (anxious to check out your book!). It certainly rings true; childhood can be so hard. It's truly important to give kids a chance to explore their feelings and write about them honestly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the importance of giving kids a chance to write about their feelings. Thank you.
DeleteThank you, Janice. I do hope the kids having the same experience are able to relate to my poem.
ReplyDeleteLinda, what a gentle sweet poem of truth-sharing. It is definitely an invitation for other young people to be honest too. Thank you for sharing with us and with the young writers who are enjoying your book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise.
DeleteThe imprint and impact of these childhood events often have a longevity that defies logic. They stick to us possessed of such clarity. Maybe your poem provides a little catharsis, Linda? We all have these lingering, sometimes uncomfortable, stories. They are mixed up with those memories we hold dear. It takes courage to write honestly. You have demonstrated your willingness to go to such places. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alan. I hope by sharing my stories, others will encouraged to share theirs.
DeleteKids can relate poems like this, and sometimes…sometimes they can then put their own feelings into writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane. That is my goal with these poems!
DeleteDon't see my previous comment...Linda, I recognized this childhood shame, though mine was caused by household rules and parental behavior rather than by sleeping arrangements. So powerful. Just ordered your book and am looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laura. I hope you enjoy the book.
DeleteThanks for sharing another sensitive poem from your new book Linda, I hope your book finds its way into the eyes of younger readers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteYes, some kids have family situations they don't want to share.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your poem is a sensitive one. I remember being afraid to tell the truth when I was a pre-teen because I knew it would hurt the family's image. I think your poem is going to be a hit with children and yourg students.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol.
ReplyDelete