ROBINS

Two robins were looking
for a place for their nest.
They wanted to build
in a spot that was best.

"Shall we build here?"
said one.
"No, here," said the other.

"My dear, tell me where
you will be a mother."

So they found a large oak
and there built their nest.
And with four blue eggs,
 it was time for a rest.

The female sat  the eggs
until they hatched.
And she loved them all,
her broody batch.

She kept them warm
under her wings.
Fed them worms,
taught them to sing.

And when they had feathers,
she gave it a try
Pushed the hatchlings out
and taught them to fly.

     This morning on my walk I saw a hummingbird sitting in the ocotillo.  There was a purple finch in the mesquite just behind.  When I came back from my walk the hummingbird was still sitting there.  I guess I should look for a nest near by.  Your challenge for today is to write a poem about a bird.

RINGTONES

The crow by my house

no longer sings.

All she does is

ring, Ring, RING!

She built her nest

close to my home,

then she swallowed

my cell phone.


     I was working on a list of animals and strange things they could say, stutter, muffle or eat and this poem fell into my lap.  I originally wrote "bird" but in an attempt to be more specific (so more details would come to the reader's mind) I started thinking about one syllable birds and had dove, wren, crow to pick from.
     Can you make your own list of animals and pair them up with strange things they might eat--your dirty socks, grandma's false teeth, a flash light, a trumpet?  Now use that for the start of your own poem.  Oh, I like this exercise.  I'm having fun with it.  I hope you do too.  Post your poems in the comments below if you'd like to share them. 

A Year

In September, I got a new blue backpack to start school.

In May, a wren built a nest in the planter outside my window.  I heard the birds sing.

In November, Grandma sent me a new pair of soft red mittens.  I lost them before the new year.

In June, I went swimming in the cold water of the lake.

In January, I didn't celebrate my birthday, the snow was too deep.

In August, Grandpa took me fishing, I caught my first fish.

In October, Daddy took a trip to Texas and brought me back a t-shirt.

In February, my younger sister stole $5 from Mom's purse to buy books at the book fair.

In July, I ate six ears of buttered corn at the Fourth of July picnic.

In March, the frogs croaking down by the creek were so loud they kept me awake.

In December, I got a bicycle for Christmas and was so happy.

In April, it was National Poetry Month when I wrote this poem.

     Here is another list poem based on the months of the year.  I've mixed up the months to keep the poem more interesting and less predictable.  What line do you think is the most interesting?  I've tried to include the five senses--smell is probably the weakest in this poem.  What would make a better line to feature smell?
    So here is your assignment.  Write 12 lines of poetry based on the 12 months of the year.  Try to include your five senses.  Make one line a negative line of something you didn't do or something that didn't happen.  If you have a sibling, make one line about something your sibling did or likes.  Do you have a pet, devote one line to your pet. Start by making a list of things you've done, seen, received--that sort of thing, and then pick some interesting ones to shape into your poem.  Have fun.  Please share your creations with me in the comments below, or at least share your most or least interesting line.  Write on.