It is so important for young people to see that they are not alone in making mistakes. A couple of years ago, I wrote a poem about one of my childhood mistakes. It's included in my book Write With Me along with a short passage about how we can eventually look back on our mistakes and see them in a new light. Because I'm always revising my poems, this version is slightly different from the one in my book.
Have you seen this wonderful new anthology about mistakes? The poems in THE MISTAKES THAT MADE US: Confessions from Twenty Poets selected by the talented team of Irene Latham and Charles Waters make great conversation starters. Readers will be able to identify with the situations and emotions the poets describe. The poems make excellent mentor texts. Every classroom library needs a copy!
A big thank you to my friend, the incredibly talented Laura Purdie Salas for hosting today.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful week full of love and magic!
Oh Linda! I love "August-hot" and "You ruined summer!" I'm looking forward to sharing Mistakes that Made Us with my students.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marcie. I know you'll love Mistakes That Made Us.
DeleteEveryone, children & adults, try so hard to do well, & then, it just doesn't work out, does it? This is a great example, Linda, a sad memory. But, yes, it is great to show kids that people make mistakes! I have the book but still haven't shared it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. I wrote the poem to show that we all make mistakes and in time can see them in a different light.
DeleteOh, this is powerful, Linda. That throat-burning chlorine--I know it well. I love that your mistake was NOT in the throwing up, but in the saying yes in the first place. What a lesson. And what a harsh response. I also like the tenderness you can show yourself in retrospect. You were 8. You were scared. Hugs, and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura!
DeleteOof, what a memory. I love the concept both of a writer's journal which includes stories and poems like that as writing prompts and the title of Charles & Irene's newest book. Thanks for sharing today.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI'm sorry that 8yo you had to experience that. But I'm also glad that in sharing it, you've created something to walk alongside someone who's experienced similiar, you've perhaps also helped to take the rough edge off someone else's anger, and put things into a proper perspective. (Kindness. Always kindness.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kat. I hope it helps kids see that mistakes are a part of life for everyone. : )
DeleteWow! That's a memory that sparks a memory of mine that's not fun to remember. What a vulnerable moment at eight years old. It's a great poem for this topic. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda!
ReplyDeleteLinda, Wrapped in my towel/and shame-are powerful lines. I agree with Laura about your mistake but 8-years-old is so young. Your poem would also make a great mentor text for children. Thanks for sharing an incident that hurt.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, you conjured and captured that childhood pain so powerfully! Ack, I just want to give 8-year-old you a hug and tell her that it will all be okay. We can all relate — the times we said yes, when we wanted to say no. :(
ReplyDeleteThe Mistakes That Made Us is a wonderful book.
Thank you, Karen. Things often go wrong when I don't listen to that little voice inside me telling me I'm making the wrong decision, but making mistakes helps us learn to choose better next time. : )
DeleteThis poem is packed with emotion! That's the kind of memory that leaves a bruise! What a great poem to share as a mentor and to spark meaningful discussions on all sorts of levels with students. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I would love for teachers to be able to use it as a mentor text along with the poems in Mistakes That Made Us. : )
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