Epigraph

     Last Thursday I presented a poem with an epigraph by Wistawa Szymborska.  I discussed the term "epigraph" and suggested that you try writing your own poem with an epigraph.
     In talking with Jessie Artes about epigraphs, he mentioned one from his mom.
"A hard time will make a monkey eat pepper," by Arnell Artes. I did a goggle search on this phrase and found it was an old Southern saying.Have you heard it before.

HARD TIMES

Hard time will make a monkey eat pepper-- Arnell Artes

You know the hard times,
we've all had them
I walked to school
in the snow
once had only peanut butter
and crackers to eat for a week
shoe holes stuffed with newspaper
collars turned inside out
to get twice the wear
I wore skirts made from
Daddy's trousers.
Nothing was wasted
but any time I didn't
clean my plate
mom would mention
that monkey.

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.