The Festival of Words is around the corner (next weekend!). Naomi Shihab Nye is coming to the small town of Grand Coteau, Louisiana to be a part of this great celebration of poetry. Naomi is a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, and she is coming to see us and share poetry with us. I have signed up for her workshop next Saturday and have gotten special permission to bring a student with me.
The Festival of Words was organized six years ago by a small group who believed that Poetry is for Everybody. With drive-by poetry and open air readings, the festival brings the power of poetry to the streets.
The Festival also holds a student writing contest. The contest is open to 6th-12th graders. The highest level I teach is 6th grade. My student, Brooklyn, entered her poem about sugarcane and placed FIRST in the Jr. High Division. I have been teaching Brooklyn since she was in 4th grade, and it delights me to see her writing develop to contest-winning level. I am so proud of her. Her winning poem is here:
I’m home
A green line of cane,
above the tan dirt,
under the bright blue
Louisiana sky.Colorful, like a
shining rainbow after
a harsh rain,
like a path full of
roses and daisies.
There is a hushing noise,
made by the stalks slowly
and gently rubbing together,
hush, hush, hush.
With the touch of the angel’s wing
so delicate and free, reassuring
you that anything is possible.Always giving off the soft,
welcoming, harmless,
I’m home feeling.
I’m home,
I’m home,
I’m home.Brooklyn, all rights reserved
From the Festival of Words Kickstarter Site on Why it Matters: “Writing poems and stories gives people of all ages a positive means to communicate, share, and respect each other’s words and individuality. • Creative writing raises student literacy levels • Creative writing teaches problem-solving, analysis, and creative thinking • Students who participate in the arts are more likely to excel academically and professionally.”
Congratulations to Brooklyn! That’s a *terrific* poem.
You are so lucky to be attending a workshop by Naomi Shihab Nye! Let us know how it goes.
It will be such a special day for you and Brooklyn, Margaret, to meet and work with Naomi Nye-wow! I am envious. Your time with Brooklyn will be something she will remember all her life, I imagine. Her poem is lovely, “hush, hush, hush”. Thank you!
What a terrific poem by Brooklyn! And how exciting that you and she will hear Naomi Shihab Nye–enjoy!
Three cheers for Brooklyn! Sounds like a wonderful event for both you and Brooklyn to take part in. Enjoy! =)
I love Brooklyn’s poem. It always makes me so happy when my students write about the things that are really part of their lives.
Oh my goodness, I’ve just come from reading Nye’s poem about happiness, and find you will be in her class next week?! How blessed are you.
It would seem Brooklyn is a very talented and perceptive young lady. Next weekend will probably impact her greatly. Kudos to you for being the catalyst.
Three cheers! 1. A festival of WORDS, 2. Brooklyn’s poem, 3. You get to hear Naomi Shihab Nye!
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Congratulations to the young poet! You clearly have some exciting event waiting for you.Participate fully in the festival and workshop, and share with us later.
What a marvelous accomplishment for this young poet! The festival sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Another poetry friend wanting to attend NSN’s workshop vicariously through you…. Thank you for sharing Brooklyn’s wonderful poem! The “hush hush hush” and all those “home” ‘s and that surprising, “harmless” – lovely work!