A Poem A Day » poetry

The Birds

Marcia — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:30:52 +0000

They sit on the wire

Photo by Jonathan Greenwald

looking down at

us in our cars

thinking about

what it must be like

to be human

and wait for a

traffic light to

turn red,

green, red.

By Alex, 9th grade

Filed under: animal, creativity, poetry, student, writers in the schools Tagged: bird poem, BIRDS ON A WIRE, point of view, Traffic light

Writing Retreat for Kids and Parents

Marcia — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:19 +0000

Have you ever wanted to attend a writing workshop with your son or daughter? Now is your chance! Esalen Institute, a workshop and retreat center in Big Sur, California, is offering a special opportunity for parents and children to journey together into the imagination.

Here is the information about Rip the Page! A Workshop for Kids and Parents from the Esalen website:

Weekend of April 13-15, 2012

Rip the Page! A Workshop for Kids and Parents

Karen Benke

“This is an imaginative writing weekend for children aged eight to fourteen and their parents to loosen up on the page while experimenting with zany poem-making prompts, dares and double-dares, and truths and lies,” writes Karen Benke. “This experience can un-stick ideas, dreams, and stories. We will erect a fun and safe tent of wonder in which to unleash the dreaming and doodling sides of our minds as we put the zing back in our writing and capture images guaranteed to connect to our hearts and voices. This is a creative writing play-shop where the punctuation police are left behind and best-guess spelling is more than fine. No grades. No gold stars. Just plenty of encouragement and quirky experiments involving magic word tickets that you’ll make and take back home. No prior experience is necessary. All materials are provided. Simply arrive with a willingness to surprise yourself and a fast-moving favorite pen. On Saturday afternoon, we’ll be joined by singer/songwriter, Scott Grace, who will create on-the-spot songs using our poems and literary creations.”

Please note: This workshop has the following schedule. Friday: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Reservations Information (Accommodations & Pricing)

Filed under: creativity, education, event, poetry, writers in the schools Tagged: Big Sur, creative writing, Esalen Institute, writing retreat

This Particular Memory

Marcia — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30:37 +0000

Image by Vicki & Chuck Rogers via Flickr

Where is the boy I used to be?

Is he still in my heart?

Is he living in my memory?

Is he where I used to be?

Is he happy?

Is he playing with friends?

Is he here or is he there?

I think the boy is with me.

I wish he didn’t grow up so fast.

When he smiles, he brings out

happiness in everyone.

We must never let anyone take away

this happiness.

Alfredo, 10th grade

Filed under: memory, poetry, student, writers in the schools, writing

Franklin

Marcia — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

A Poem Inspired by Ryler Dustin’s “Allie”

Big brother,

you’re missed.

Missed like when you missed

the bus on the first day of school, and mom

had to drive you there.

Missed like when you made me go

away from your room when you had

your friend come over.

You’re missed when you’re mad

and start to yell because I got you

in trouble. Missed like when you put

my dolls down the toilet. Missed

when you went on a school trip,

and had to go to the hospital

because you broke your arm.

And now you are missed since

you are serving our country

as a Navy soldier.

But you won’t be missed

when you come back home to tell me

your new stories and adventures.

Big brother,

you’re missed.

You always have been.

By Fallon, 6th grade

Filed under: creativity, poetry, student, writers in the schools Tagged: Navy poem, Ryler Dustin, Young Women's Preparatory Academy

Public Poetry on February 4th

Marcia — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:45 +0000

Here’s the latest news from Public Poetry, winner of the Best Reading Series 2011 from the Houston Press. Don’t miss this free event on February 4th featuring several former Writers in the Schools (WITS) teachers!

Did you ever think you’d hear a local TV news anchor read poetry? Well, that’s what will happen at Park Place Regional Library on Saturday, February 4, when Art Rascon makes a special guest appearance at our next Public Poetry event at 2 PM. We’re really happy to feature him in a growing list of great special guests, including Mayor Annise Parker, choreographer Dominic Walsh, a NASA administrator, artists, musicians and more. As always, we have our line-up of outstanding featured poets with words ready – Alan Ainsworth, Joseph Campana, Sarah Cortez, Jeannie Gambill and Van G. Garrett. We’ll also hear a few short poems from some talented young students. Afterwards, there will be poetry books available and poets to sign ‘em. And if poetry leaves you feeling hungry, come join us after that at the local Mexican on the corner.

Public Poetry events are all free, all ages, and everyone is welcome! See you there.

Filed under: creativity, event, Houston, poetry, spoken word, writers in the schools, writing Tagged: alan ainsworth, Dominic Walsh, Jeannie Gambill, Joseph Campana, Mayor Annise Parker, public poetry, Sarah Cortez, Van Garrett