The Rabbit

The rabbit in the garden

likes to munch, munch munch.

On tender grasses and plants

that crunch, crunch, crunch.

     I had fun yesterday practicing sketching and drew this little rabbit.  He is far from perfect, but I did think he ended up looking like a rabbit.  I hope you had fun yesterday drawing a picture to go with your poem.

     Today is supposed to be very cold again.  for a short month, even though we get an extra day with leap year, February seems to go on forever for me.  I will be happy to see March.  And now you know how Lewis Carroll wrote about the March Hare and a mad tea party.  If you were to have a tea party today, who would be there?  Can you write a mad (wild) poem about it?  Do have a good time.  Cheerio.

Modern Haiku

the ancient path blooms

     buttercups, bluets,

          pots of gold

      These flowers aren't blooming yet, but still my eyes crave their color.  I love the delicate purpley-blue color of bluets.  They have long thin stems.  And the name of the yellow clumps of flowers--pots of gold.  It is like the person who named them stumbled upon a treasure.  Do you have a friend you would call a pot of gold?  Someone who is a great treasure to you?  Maybe these are flowers found at the end of a rainbow.  Can you write your own poem about pots of gold?  Have fun thinking and being creative.
      This poem is a modern haiku because it doesn't stick with the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern.  The season is in there though.  What season do you think this poem represents?  And what meaning do you think is in "the ancient path"? 
      I'm going to get out my water colors and see if I can paint a picture to go with my poem, perhaps you'd like to try that with your poem too.  Have fun.

Winter

There comes a time

when winter

has been here

way too long.

I wish I could pack

winter's suitcases

and send it on its way.

I'm ready for spring.

I know when

winter has been 

here too long.

My world looks gray,

all of my sweaters

look ugly to me

and I'm ready for 

daffodils.

     Do you know that drizzly, cold, wet time of winter when your eyes crave color?  Think of each of the seasons of the year.  What colors would you call fall?  What are the colors of summer?  Which season do you like the best?  Can you write a color poem today?

My Teddy

WOW! I don't know what happened, but I had this poem all ready for Sunday and it didn't get posted.  Sorry about that.  So here it is.

My Teddy

My teddy bear

is my best friend.

He's always there

at night we spend

our sleepy dreams

together dancing,

eating ice cream,

and traveling

to foreign lands.

My Winter Cocoa Mug

My favorite cocoa cup

is the color of my friend

sweet,

warm,

comforting.

     Today's poem is a little different, so the challenge will be too.  Take any object of winter (sweater, boots, mittens, snow shovel, etc.) and then tell how that object is like your friend.  When you compare two things and say one is  like the other, that is a simile.  When you say the winter object IS your friend--that is a metaphor.  Use either a simile or a metaphor in your poem.  Have fun.

The Cat

The cat

lounges

on my bed.

She's a cuddly

furry ball.

Her body

is warmly hot.

But she is NOT

that small.

She's asleep

in the middle

of my bed.

She really likes

that spot.

It's a  problem

when she won't move,

I can not sleep

in the space I've got.

Her purring keeps me

wide awake.

I think this kitten

may be a mistake.

At least it is not the same

as having a dog,

a Great Dane.

     Can you tell I don't really have a cat?  I'm visiting my sister in California.  It is her birthday.  She has a cat that wants to sleep on my bed. 
So, I think I really should comeback to this poem again and do some more work with the rhythm.  Do you have a dog or a cat?  Can you write a poem about your pet?
When my son was three he had a stuffed dog he would pretend to feed and have the dog sit up and beg.  He would take his stuffed dog for walks.  So even if you don't have a live pet, you can write about a pretend pet.  Have fun.  I'd love to hear about your pet.

I Love Words

I love words.

the feel of them, 

the taste of them 

in my mouth.

I am in a swimming pool

filled with words.

They bump against my body,

my kick sends words

fluttering into the air.

My stroke sends droplets of words

flicking over the water.

I am taking a trip

and my suitcase is stuffed with words

I fold them neatly,

 stacking words into the corners

I hope they don't wrinkle.

I am camping

the tent is filled with words

they are hot and sweaty,

and like moths

the words are attracted to the light.

I walk the city sidewalks

and see words

lining the walkways

stretched over the high rise,

pooling in glass surfaces.

And the exciting thing to me

is that there are always 

new words to taste,

new words to hear

in my ears

new words to sniff

like a French perfume.

I will never know them all.

Never read them all.

And never feel them

all on my tongue.

And even if I could

read all the words 

in the English language,

there are still

so many other

languages to conquer.

      What is your favorite word?  Can you use it to write a poem?
Where do your words like to hang out? Enjoy!

Look! Look!

I know a boy

who dyes his hair.

When he goes out

to anywhere

young children point

and also stare.

"Mommy," they say,

"Look at that boy

with the blue hair."


     Hair is a fun thing to write a poem about.  From Edward Lear's beard to Michael Finnigan who had his whiskers blown out by the wind.  Just this week I heard about a barber who cuts  portraits of famous people into men's hair cuts.  Yesterday's newspaper funnies had a cartoon with a woman who had gotten her cat tangled into her long hair.  So, can you write your own hair poem?

Dream Thrower

I want to be a dream thrower,

like a baseball pitcher,

tossing good dreams to you.

Let me bring the genies,

and the fairies.

I want to be a dream thrower.

Let me sail a magic carpet 

for you to climb upon.

Then we can speed away

on  a wild ride.

I want to be a dream thrower.

Let me call upon the flying dragon,

the hot air balloon,

the pixie dust--

so we can soar 

through the sky.

I want to be a dream thrower,

so I can make tea for you

and invite the King and Queen.  

Let me bring my paint box

and we'll paint everything

in vibrant hues.  

And if I am a dream thrower,

I'm sure you will see

this world is

an exciting place to be;
all we have to do
is use our creativity.  


       I hope this poem got your imagination stirring.  If you were a dream thrower, what dreams would you create?  Please write a poem about your dream. 

THIN CLOUDS

Today, thin clouds gather

over the desert.

Rosy hues grip

their undersides.

A small breeze

pushes the sage brush.

Sand rattles

over the road.

Now I want

to be that stone

at the creek edge

worn smooth by water

and finally

growing moss.

    Do you know the adage, A rolling stone gathers no moss?  This poem plays on that theme.  Can you see the pictures?  In writing today's poem try developing a picture in your writing.  Describe the setting.  Remember to use all of your five senses.  Have fun and I hope you'll share your poem with me.

BASKETBALL

Bring the ball in

And dribble up court.

Shoot at the top of the

Key.  Keep your

Eye on 

The rim.  See the

Ball swish

All the way.

Let the score show 2 more.

Leap in excitement. 

  

      Today's poem is an acrostic.  Can you try writing your own acrostic for your favorite sport?  Enjoy.

   

MY DOG SINGS

My dog sings

bow-wow-wow

arf, arf,

wolf, wolf,

yelp!

I 

toss him

a cookie,

his singing

needs help!

     Today is a great day for writing a sound poem.  Sit quietly for a few minutes and just listen to the sounds where you are.  Can you hear the refrigerator hum?  Does your clock tick loudly?  Is there a cricket chirping?  Water dripping or running?  is the TV or radio on?  If you go out today listen to the sounds as you go.  A passenger in my car once said, "I can tell when you change gears by the noise your engine makes."  Can you write a list poem of all the sounds you hear?  Or pick just one sound and tell us all about what is making it.  Have a great Saturday. 

Good Morning

This morning when the sun

began to glow,

the rooster raised his head

to start his crow.

To cock-a-doodle-do

he opened wide his beak,

but the only sound that came

was his hissing squeak.

Poor old rooster

not a soul could he wake

as each of us slept through

his crowing mistake.

Rooster had a sore throat,

no one knew what to do.

 Everybody slept late--

we all had sore throats too.


     I hope this poem finds you well today.  But have you ever had a time at your house when everyone was sick?  Or have you ever had a cold that made you talk funny?  Try writing a poem about being sick.  Have fun.

My Daddy

When Daddy first arrives at home,

he says he wants some time alone.

He heads for his lounger, kicks off his shoes,

grabs the paper to read the news.

Daddy says

 I'm his little honey.

He shares his lap

and we read the funnies.

      Do you like reading the newspaper?  What is your favorite part?  Grab a newspaper and see if you can find inspiration in the pages for writing a poem today.  Can you cut out words and fashion your poem like a ransom note?  Have fun.

Baby's Song

Mom likes to tickle my tum,

and yum, yum

she kisses my bum.

At night before bed

I know what's to come.

Mom gives me dry pants

and then yum, yum

she kisses my bum.

I know my mom

she loves me tons

by this giggle game

where she kisses my bum.

Mom tells me, "Good Night."

and when she's done

It's yum, yum

Mom kisses my bum.

     When I had very young babies we would play with me blowing raspberries on their tummies and kissing their bums.  Their freshly powdered behinds smelled lovely.  I've since noticed that other animals have this behavior too.  Babies play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo.  Do you know of other baby games?  Can you write a poem for a game you might play with Baby.

A Dozen Doves

A dozen doves perch

on the telephone line,

fluffing their feathers

and feeling fine.

Sitting on the lines

that look like a music staff

the notes of their song,

aren't bad by half.

     This morning on my walk, I saw the birds on the line, and like a shape note singer, I sang their song.  It really was a happy tune.  What is your favorite song?  If you were writing a song for a Valentine, what would you say, sing?  Have fun trying this.  Happy Valentines Day.

Nacio Newt

Nacio Newt

was a natty guy.

When he dressed up

he wore a necktie.

At night when he went

to night clubs to play,

"Nice necktie," was what

his neighbors

would say.

     Yesterday was Charles Darwin's birthday.  What other scientists do you know about?  Is there a science museum or natural history museum in your town?  Can you write a poem today about science?  Have fun.

Still Singing

Let's sing a song

wherever we go.

You sing high

and 

     I'll

         sing

               low.

If you can not

come sing with me

I'll still try 

to

   sing

         on

             key.

We'll travel far

and on our way

I hope you have

a

   happy

             Sunday.

       Can you write a poem that includes a day of the week?  Or try writing seven poems, one for each day.  Have fun or make this a day of rest.  What ever you do enjoy poetry.

I LOVE GRAMPS

The ice cream truck comes rolling

down our tree lined street.

Grandpa says he'll buy me

an ice cream for a treat.

When it's time to pay the man,

guess what Grandpa hasn't got?

His wallet is in his bedroom.

Grandpa, he forgot.

His wallet, his wallet,

oh Grandpa he forgot,

I will run to get it

because I love Grandpa a lot.

When we gather at the table

our family says a prayer.

Grandpa starts and then he stops

because his pills, they are not there.

His pills, his pills

oh Grandpa he forgot.

I will run to get them

because I love Grandpa a lot.

     Yesterday was Grandma, so today has to be Grandpa that forgets.  Do your Grandparents forget things?  Do you help them to remember?  How can you help others?  Can you write a poem about that?  Can you share your poem with your grandparents?  Then ask them to write a poem for you.  Have fun. 

I Love Gram a Lot

Grandma loves to read in bed

says a book just hits the spot.

Tonight she can not read to me,

her glasses she forgot.

My Grandma, my grandma,

her glasses she forgot.

I will run to get them

because I love Gram a lot.

Grandma wants a soaky bath,

hot water hits the spot.

Gram says she's a wrinkly prune--

a bath towel she forgot.

A towel,a towel,

oh Grandma has forgot.

I will run to get her one

because I love Gram a lot.

     Do you do things to help your parents, your grandparents, brothers or sisters?  What are they?  Would you like to add verses to this poem, or write your own poem about the things you do to help?  Have fun.

My Dog Spot

Spot, my dog barks

when I say, "SPEAK."

He hunts for his ball

when I say, "SEEK."

He's my good friend,

he sleeps on the rug.

He licks my hand

when I need a hug.

He wags his tail,

runs round a tree,

he's always happy

when he sees me.

     Can you write a poem about your pet?  This might be a good one to try as an acrostic.  My dog is a Welsh Springer Spaniel.  He's red and white and my son gave him his name.  What is your pet's name?  Have fun writing your poem.

Counting Monkeys

Mildred, Moe, Margaret and Manny

Monkeys ride on the merry-go-round.

Martin, Mary, Mike and Molly

How many monkeys

could be found

riding round and round

on the merry-go-round?
    
      I laugh every time I think about the antics of these monkeys.  How many monkeys did you count on the merry-go-round?  How many "M"s are in this poem?  Do you like riding on merry-go-rounds?  I love picking the best horse to go up and down to the calliope music.  I have ridden on merry-go-rounds in 8 different cities.  Can you write a poem about riding the merry-go-round?  Is there a merry-go-round you can ride on to collect details?  Does you merry-go-round have other animals?  Pigs?  Swans?  Have fun!

Lilly Llama

Lilly Llama

practices everyday

so she can learn

how to play

the cello.

But when she pulls

her bow across

the strings

it sounds like

a buffalo

bellowing.

     If you could play any instrument, what would it be?  Can you write a poem about that?  Or if your dog or cat could play music, what would be the instrument?  Happy writing.

Stumbly Little Bear

A stumbly, bumbly little bear
tripped and tumbled, rumbled
down the stair.


He got a knot
upon his nose
and crumpled, rumpled
all his clothes.

Poor little stumbly, bumbly bear.
Now he walks with greater care.

     This poem is pure silliness.  I was having fun with the  m-b  sound.  I liked the way the words felt in my mouth.  I hope you are careful when you walk on stairs.  My house doesn't have stairs.  But I do try to use the hand rail when I use stairs.  What safety rules do you follow?  Do you look both ways before crossing the street?  Do you remember:
Stop, Look, and Listen
before you cross the street.
Use your eyes.
Use your ears,
and then use your feet.

Can you write a poem about one of the things you do to be safe?  Here are some of the rules I remember from when I was young:
Don't play with sharp objects.
Don't run with scissors.
Don't play with matches.
Don't talk to strangers.
Tell my mother where I was going when I left the house.
Don't try to pet strange dogs.
Don't bite my fingernails.
     Goodness, I bet you know of lots of things to add to the list. 

Sweet L

I like licorice

and lemon tarts.

I like licking lollipops

shaped in red hearts.

I love the tingle

on my lips

from eating lime-flavored

potato chips.

How about you?

What's the 'l' 

you like to do?

      I need a break from the bestiary, so I turned to foods.  I'll still get to an "L" animal poem, but my mind wants to think about it a little.  I think there are too many "L" animals--lions, leopards, lizards, loons.  What other animals can you think of with the letter "l" in their name?  Wolf, Owl, Caterpillar, or Angel fish?  If two of the animals had a conversation, what would they say?  Can you write a poem about it?

The Cow Speaks

Brown, brown, brown

is everything I see.

My coat is brown

and so is the ground,

the hills

and even this nude tree.

My stall in the barn is brown.

Every where I look around

is brown, brown, brown.

That brown paper bag

you use to carry your poetry,

fling out the words,

bring colors to me.

     I had some weird dreams last night.  I was playing all kinds of poetry games when this cow came to talk to me.  What is your favorite animal?  If that animal could speak to you, what would it say?  Keep your imagination running.  Get out on that poetry highway.  Write that poem and have a jolly good time doing it.  Enjoy.

Buenos Dias

Buenos dias, Merry Sunshine,

what makes you wake so soon?

You've scared all the clouds away,

and shone away the moon.

     I hope your day is filled with sunshine.  The sun is important to all our lives.  Can you write your own poem about the sun? 

A Black Kangaroo

A Black Kangaroo

in Kalamazoo

said, "I'm glad to know you,

and am keeping an eye

on what you do."

"I'm thinking I have a task for you.

Can you track me back

in the direction of

 Australia and Timbuktu?"

This crazy black kangaroo,

maybe he'll next

come to visit you.

      This Kangaroo carries his travel bag in his pouch.  Who knows where he'll end up next.  If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?  Perhaps you'll travel there in a dream. Can you write a poem about that?   Do you know the song about the "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree..."?

Javalina Paul

It was just June

when a jocular javelina

by the name of Paul

took a jumbo leap

and jumped over my wall.

He rooted all the jicama,

jogged round the jacaranda,

and did the jitter bug

in my wandering jew.

And then when he was though,

He ate everything

with joyful grace

before I could

chase him

from my place.

     Writing with "j"s is tough, especially finding "j"s in the middle of words.  And you would think with a name like JOY, I'd be an expert of "j" words.  I thought about writing about jugglers, court jesters and jousting, but here is where I ended up.  Would you like to try writing your own poem about medieval times?  Or how about a time period not current.  Maybe the future?  Can you make a list poem from all the "J" words you know.  Have fun.