#SOL17
One step at a time is good walking. ~Proverbs
I am getting better with my walking friend.
I stand up straight, I do not bend.
I make my way between tables and chairs.
A walker awaits at both end of the stairs.
I am getting over my walker woes.
But stay out of my way or watch your toes!
Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~Langston Hughes
It began as a gentle shower,
barely needing an umbrella for cover.
It steadily grew stronger and stronger
until torrential sheets were sweeping
across the roof.
Safe inside
I don’t mind the rain.
Its song is rhythmic,
Soothing and cleansing.
I close my eyes and
let the rain’s song wash over me
as I begin to let go
Of worries that creep to mind,
Of ailments that plague me,
Of things I cannot control.
As the rain nourishes
the parched ground
I allow it to expunge my worries
and nurture my soul.
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward
Three days before Thanksgiving
Means the school week will be short.
Waking up on Monday morning
I am a happy carefree sort.
I got to school early
With papers to copy
I cleaned up my desk
So it wasn’t so sloppy.
I headed to morning meeting
Feeling ready to go
But got some bad news
Something I needed to know.
My prep period is gone
The librarian is sick
The week isn’t starting
The way I would pick!
No need to despair
I can count on the kids
To make me smile
With their funny bizz
They were working on poems
Of Thanksgiving cheers
They were so funny
They brought me to tears!
So when I count my blessing
Before stuffing my face
I will be sure to be thankful
That I work at such a great place!
#SOL
You only fail if you stop writing. ~ Ray Bradbury
I sat at the computer but could not write.
The blank page was staring at me
teasing,
taunting,
mocking me.
So cruel.
I know there must be thoughts inside.
The words are there but they are
failing,
deserting,
betraying me.
So unkind.
I am in a writing funk.
My mood is like the weather
damp,
gloomy,
Chilling me.
So disheartening.
I will not let this overtake me.
The sun will shine again
inspiring,
encouraging,
motivating me.
So hopeful.
#SOL
Everyone has a story. ~ Neil Labute
Every day during the month of April, my ELA class begins with a poem prompt – a mentor poem. After we read the poem aloud a few times, the students take turns “noticing” things about the poem – its form, rhyming or not, topic, word choice etc. As the month goes on the “noticing” really induces great discussion about author’s craft.
The students then try their hands at writing in the form of that poem. Sometimes they work in pairs, sometimes alone. They usually have a choice. I always write with them and sometimes share my “best” lines with the class.
This poem was inspired by “Every Cat Has a Story” by Shihab Nye.
Every Pen Has a Story.
The blue one from Beneficial Bank
was her favorite.
It wrote in blue ink
She always used it
to write in her writer’s notebook.
The green one from Lansdale Catholic
was only used at faculty meetings.
It wrote in black ink and had a syllus tip too.
It seemed important.
One pen sat
at the bottom of her schoolbag.
One pen sat on her desk
waiting to get the chance
to correct papers.
One pen wrote
in gel ink.
One pen was all dried up.
The only way to have a friend is to be one. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Finds you when you need them the most
Reminds you of your best qualities
Interested in your well-being
Enables you to be yourself
Never expects anthing in return
Deserves your unending thanks
I am so thankful for my friends. I hope that sometimes I am the friend they need.
When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.
― Earl Nightingale
You don’t know me.
You may think you do,
but all you know
is what you see…the facade.
I am serious.
I don’t joke around much.
I don’t really know how.
That doesn’t mean I am unhappy, or sad.
It means I think; I ponder; I wonder.
I am not like you. That’s ok.
I only need to be who I am,
not who you expect me to be.
I worry about those I love,
those around me,
those I don’t even know.
I feel deeply, love deeply, hurt deeply.
That is who I am.
I would rather cry
than not be able to shed a tear.
You don’t know my story
or the burdens I carry.
You only know small details
that may leak out…
out of order…
out of context.
You don’t know me.
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. ~ Benjamin Franklin
Monday morning is here again.
How did arrive so soon?
If I had my way I would stay in bed
at least until 11:00 or noon!
I have become the queen of snooze,
hitting that button a time or two.
Just a few more minutes is all I need
then I’ll be as good as new.
Remembering I didn’t pack a lunch
sends my head back under the sheet.
Getting ready and off to school on time
will certainly be a feat!
But once I am there and behind my desk
I know that I’m in the right place.
You’ll never see the queen of snooze again
No, not even a trace.
Trying to post a few more poems in honor or National Poetry Month. Do you have a poem to share with me?
#SOL16 Day 24
Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s Party.’ ~ Robin Williams
Sunroof open wide
Radio turned up full blast
Spring break is heaven!
Local team leading
Squeeking sneakers balls bouncing
March Madness is here!
Fun to be Nona
Filling baskets for grandkids
Need to stop shopping!
#SOL16 Day 21
When you know yourself you are empowered. When you accept yourself you are invincible. ~ Tina Lifford.
Autumn Lover
Baseball fan
Creature of Habit
DiCarne
Educator
Friend
Grateful
High School Sweethearts
In-law
Jazz Lover
Kindred spirits
Level-headed
Musician
Nona
Obliging
Pennsylvanian
Quiet
Rita
Sister
Tolerant
Uncertain
Vulnerable
Writer
Xoxo
Yielding
Zaftig
Rita DiCarne 