Poetry Friday is with Penny at Penny and her Jots.
This week, I’m thinking about Naomi Shihab Nye’s bucket and how we need to share our buckets with each other. I shared her poem from Here We Go with my students.
from BLUE BUCKET
by Naomi Shihab NyeWhat if, instead of war,
we shared our buckets
of wind and worry?
Tell me the story
you carry there,
steeping in old pain
and future hope,
rich with fragrant
savory spices,
ginger, turmeric,
tarragon, find me
a spoon in one
of your pockets,
even if we don’t
speak the same language…maybe
you hold my bucket
a while, see what
the handle feels like,
and I hold yours,
and maybe both buckets
are empty and
we trade them forever…
We talked about what it means to carry someone else’s bucket. We talked about serious topics and playful ones. Then we wrote What if poems. I want to share a few with you today.
What if
the whole world
was listening, waiting
for the next word?What if
you didn’t
know what
to say
but you say
it all?What if
I speak
worldwide but
few hear me?What if
you knew
what to say,
but you didn’t
say it at all?What if
I speak
privately,
but lots of
people hear me?by Noah, 5th grade
A Bucket Of Glitter
What if,
I could carry around a
bucket of glitter?
If I found someone without glitter,
I would sprinkle some on them,
What if I could carry around a
bucket of glitter?by Lynzee, 2nd grade
What if-
I was the leader of the U.S.A
I would treat people fair
like how air lets us live,
live to spread joy and happiness.
I would give money
Maybe a little honey because it’s sweet
like people.
by Andrew, 4th grade
Today, I am wishing you a bucket of glitter to spread, a little honey to sweeten your day, and lots of poetry because poetry is where wisdom lies.
Reflections on the Teche 
Too bad our world leaders don’t take advice from kids! Love these, Margaret.
I’m carrying a bucket of glitter today.
These poems are buckets of glitter, and I feel like I’m shining now. đŸ™‚
Thanks so much for sharing HERE WE GO with your students and THEIR beautiful poems with us! Their big hearts give me hope!
You picked such a beautiful poem to use as inspiration for the kids, and they ran with it so well!
I love the bucket of glitter! Our world seems to be in good hands with these students. Now if our leaders would just listen to their wisdom.
I love it that you shared the poems from your students! Thanks!
We clearly need a “Bucket of Glitter” app: take a photo of someone’s unhappy face, add glitter, and–poof!–see a happy person! Thanks for sharing these wonderful poems, Margaret!
These poems from your students are stunning! Just what the world needs today. Thank you!
Wow, Noah’s poem – stunning! Thanks for sharing your kids with us this Poetry Friday, Margaret.
Oooo love these poems Margaret! Very powerful!
What a lovely poem you shared today, and even lovelier responses from the kids. Isn’t it amazing how a well chosen poem lights a spark in a young mind and sets it ablaze! Thank you for your good work and writing.
How wonderful! I will try my best to spread a bit of glitter around with me today. đŸ™‚
Aw, “maybe a little honey” is just right. I love all your wishes combined, too.
Love that bucket of glitter. I feel like some of it was sprinkled on me!
What a wonderful mentor text to inspire your students…as well as your readers. I love the thought of a bucket of glitter! I also love Noah’s comparison of knowing/not knowing what to say and saying/not saying all the words – that is some deep thinking, dear teacher!
Your kids are sharing the glitter. Each one offers buckets of hope.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, LOVE!
I received ‘Here We Go’ today. I can tell it’s going to be a PF sharing soon. You are a sweetheart to share it. I will make sure it gets into my student’s hands.
That bucket of glitter….I just know this kid all the way from here! Hugs to you for fostering and nurturing love, poetry and talent.
Love the glitter! Let’s all sparkle!
Wow! Junior philosopher-poets. These guys are brilliant – and have a gifted teacher to guide them through that process. Thanks for sharing.
Three cheers for buckets of glitter!