The best thing about Maine
is their green-making rain.
The chance to feel chilly
makes me feel silly.

The best thing about North Carolia
is all of their barbecue diners.
Their ice tea is sweet
and I love to eat.

The best thing about Arizona
is the desert near Sedona.
The cactus grows high
in the blue, blue sky.

   Oh, I am having fun this morning.  Can you guess your poetry challenge for today?  Start with the line: The best thing about _________________.  Then fill in the blank with your favorite state or town and tell your reader something about your place.  Have fun writing.  You can fill that blank in with something other than a place too.


In children's poetry, the world is full of amazing places.

Arizona Slide

Come with me.
Do not hide.
Take my hand.
I'll be your guide.
March  up the stairs.
Let's take a ride.
Let me show you
fun on the slide.


     This is a slide in Carefree, AZ.  Notice the sun shade over the slide.  In Arizona most of the playgrounds for children have sun shades.  Without the canopy, the metal on the slide bed would scorch and possibly burn.  What is your favorite piece of playground equipment?  Can you write a poem about that today.

ARIZONA

An arid state,

Rich in resources,

In her people

Zuni to Zapotec,

Optimistic with canyons grand,

Neighborly--

A place called home.

      This is the centennial year for Arizona, the 48th state to join the Union on February 14th, 1912.  When did your state join the Union?  Can you write an acrostic for your state?