Have You Ever Been…?
I read somewhere that when Allen Ginsberg was asked who his favorite poets were he answered that they were mostly unknowns. I understand. Some of my favorite poets are local and unknown, and many of my favorite poets have been children.
For over 10 years I was the creative writing teacher at Floyd’s parent-run-cooperative school, The Blue Mountain School. I traded a full day working with all grades for a break in tuition for my own sons who were enrolled for most of that time. For 10 years the students and I put out our own homespun publication, “The Dolphin Messenger,” which included stories, artwork, poetry, interviews, comic strips and more. “Don’t tell me what it is. Tell me what it’s like,” was my trademark line back then, intended to get the kids to think poetically.
And they did. Most kids are natural poets just waiting to be tapped.
Below are 2 poems worthy of reprint, which were dictated to me by my niece while we were swimming and making poetry together, one day last year. They appeared on the LoveLink, a family e-mail group, and everyone had fun making up their own last stanza to “Have You Ever Been…?” Feel free to take a try at it.
The Pool Poem
~ By Samantha
Big and blue
Shimmering pool
I can swim like an angel
Soar across it
I can see myself
I duck down and look
I look pretty
I like what I see
Have You Ever Been?
~ By Samantha
Have you ever been excited?
and then WHOOSH…
It slaps you right back
Have you ever been scared?
And then it turns out to be nothing?
Have you ever been shy?
And then you talk yourself away?
Have you ever been _________?
The Photo: My friend Mara’s daughter reading poetry on the “Soap Box” at Floyd Fest last year.
June 22nd, 2005 11:21 am
I LOVE that picture 🙂
June 22nd, 2005 12:53 pm
Have you ever been proud to see your granddaughter’s poem on a blog?
I can now say that I have.
Thanks Col.
Kathy
June 22nd, 2005 8:49 pm
“Don’t tell me what it is. Tell me what it’s like,” I love that line, it’s a GREAT tip to remember for writing. More tips…I want more tips! heehee ; )
June 22nd, 2005 10:25 pm
Cute poems, and GREAT picture… here via Michele today!
June 23rd, 2005 12:05 am
I will have to try that Have you ever been ____?
Thanks for visiting today. 🙂
June 23rd, 2005 7:51 am
Those are great!! I think there is a poet in all of us …most just don’t know how to let it out ;0) Got your books today!!! Gave you a plug too. Have a great weekend. Life’s been busy. I’ll be back to catch up this weekend!
June 23rd, 2005 7:51 am
Those are great!! I think there is a poet in all of us …most just don’t know how to let it out ;0) Got your books today!!! Gave you a plug too. Have a great weekend. Life’s been busy. I’ll be back to catch up this weekend!
June 23rd, 2005 7:51 am
Those are great!! I think there is a poet in all of us …most just don’t know how to let it out ;0) Got your books today!!! Gave you a plug too. Have a great weekend. Life’s been busy. I’ll be back to catch up this weekend!