DERBY DAY

Sunglasses,
ladies in big hats,
jockeys
in colorful silks,
horseflesh rippling,
blinders,
sleek, then sweaty,
minty drinks
chilled metal cups,
everyone stands
a rush,
a roar,
cameras flash,
a blanket of roses,
history
in less than three minutes,
horses worth more than a house,
jewels sparkle in the sun,
$25,000 just to run.

   The first Saturday in May is the running of the Kentucky Derby.

HAPPY MAY DAY

Happy May Day.

 
Happy Lei Day.

 
Aloha to you.

 
I'm making a lei,

 
that's what I do.
 
     When I was a little girl to celebrate May Day I'd make a cone from paper and put a handle on the top.  Then I'd put flowers in the cone and hang it on my neighbors' front door.  I'd ring the doorbell and run away yelling, "Happy May Day."
    Then Russia claimed May 1, as their independence day and the USSR would celebrate with big parades featuring all the tanks and cannons and soldiers marching. It made the day all about war and showing might to me.  I didn't like the day I celebrated with flowers becoming about military might.
    Then a few years ago I discovered that Hawaii celebrates May First with leis.  On the Island of Kauai today there is a lei competition for children.  The lei doesn't have to be made of flowers.  Leis are made with sea shells and even ribbons and beads.  So now I enjoy celebrating Lei Day on the first of May.
     Can you try writing your own poem today that includes a flower?  Have fun writing your poem.
    There is a lot to be happy about today.  So let's celebrate with the Poetry Friday Round Up.  Mary Lee Hahn is hosting us this week on her blog A Year of Reading. 
   Read the "Comments" on May Lee's blog to find all the links.
   

ROSES

In the breeze
roses dance
   swing, sway
      stagger
         drunk
on spring.


     Gosh, I hope your day is going as well as mine.  I woke up this morning full of energy, ready to tackle some projects.  I may get some spring cleaning done today.  I had fun with today's poem and picture.  This is a picture of the roses growing on my fence that I've done some altering to.  I'm trying something new and that is always an exciting thing.  I counted the words in this poem.  There are only 11.  But, I'm happy with this little poem because it presents the idea of being drunk on spring, and that is exactly how I feel today.  Sometimes that is  how nature and flowers effect me.  They make me happy.  Does the happiness come through in the poem?  Can you write your own poem today about your favorite flower?  Have fun.

Things I Like in Summer

I like hamburgers

and french fries to chew

chocolate milk shakes

and ice cream too.

I like roses

and irises blue

cool long grass

with morning dew.

I like making necklaces

bead by bead,

and summer books

I can read.

I like going to the movies

whenever I can

to see Laurel and Hardy

and The Thin Man.

I like swimming

and riding my bike.

Can you tell me

what you like?

     I've been feeling really tired and down lately and I find that making a list of all the things to be thankful for often pulls me out of my funk.  Can you make a list of the things you are grateful for?  Can you turn it into a list poem?  Have fun writing.  I hope this is a super great day for you.