Poetry Friday round-up is with Donna at Mainely Write.
My husband gave me a new-old art journal for Christmas. My artist friend Marcie Melancon made it from an old book. Inside are all sorts of paper from other books, maps, a small bag, etc. Once I opened it, I was inspired to write. The first page is a sketch of a woman. I started writing a poem in my car in a little notebook. Aha! I could fill the journal with scrap paper poetry! I’ve already taped in 5 poems. I don’t think I’ll continue at this pace, but I’m enjoying the process.
Art journal by Marcie Melancon.
I wrote the above poem, Emily Saw More, as a #haikuforhope in response to amazing beach pictures my friend Grace Krauss posted on Facebook.
Tell me how the sun rose
Ribbons rising above the tide
Emily saw more…Margaret Simon
#haikuforhope
Last week, Amy VanDerwater posted a suggested line for a poem, “Today you will find me…” As most of you know, I am a new grandmother. I’m spending time with the sweetest, most amazing baby boy. So that is where you will find me.
Today you will find me
smelling new skin,
soft fuzz of a newborn’s head,
holding a swaddled bundle,
memorizing his small ear,
round nose, and mouth
of many expressions.Today I will stay a while,
feel present to Wonder,
hold Love
like it will never
let me go.(c) Margaret Simon, 2018
Reflections on the Teche 
What a rich, rewarding post, Margaret! There’s so much to savor here. I love your new journal, the scrap paper poetry and the beach photos and accompanying haiku. But your poem for Leo hits me right in the heart. Such a blessing!
“Emily Saw More” sounds like the title of a book. Maybe when you’ve filled your cool new journal, you’ll find you’ve tucked a book into its pages.
Such a lovely, lovely post! Enjoy that fuzzy baby head! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
I agree with Tabatha….you’ve got a title! And, you have a marvelous canvas for your first draft. Enjoy every moment with that beautiful baby boy. Every photo shows how much he is loved. It’s fun and wonderful to get to be a tiny part of that through your joy. Thank you!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Title magic, Margaret. As a life-long Emily-ite, I adore all of this. And what a wonderful use for the sweet gift from your husband part inspiration part repository. Happy new year snuggles with sweet Leo.
I love the journal and your idea to fill it with scrap paper poems. It inspires me to unearth a re-made book I started long ago and do something similar. Of course we will find you with that newborn! Congratulations on becoming a grandmother – a sweet title indeed.
Love is the sweet reward for being a grandmother, Margaret. Stay in the present to savor the delicious moments with Leo. Your photo collage is filled with nature’s beauty as your Emily-like words pop out. Paper scrap poetry and handwritten poems may be the hot items this year! Happy New Year.
Every part is something, then “someone” to celebrate, Margaret. That journal is wonderful. I think ‘scrap paper’ poetry sounds very good! Plus, it is a special Christmas this year for you welcoming and loving little Leo. Happy New Year!
Emily Saw More…yes, Linda M., I think that could be a wonderful title for a collection of poems.
Oh, Margaret! So many congratulations. That sweet sweet face brings hope to us all. Much love to you as I swoon over your beauty-filled journal. Way to go, husband! xx
Oh, Margaret! I’ve been following along passively while on vacation, but I really have to respond today. I love the notebook – inspired and beautiful; I love the Dickinson quote and your response; and, of course, I love the way you glory in your grandson. What blessings! Thank you for sharing your words.
Such a precious baby boy! Your poem and notebook writing are so beautiful. Congrats on your new little wonder!
It has been/will be so much fun to follow your grandmothering journey! I think you need to start a book of all your writings about him to read to him over and over again, and to give to him at some point. Maybe when he becomes a father!
What a special gift and perfect spot for your “scrap paper poetry” I love the reflection back to Emily in your haiku. Your “Today you will find me…” poem to Leo has love wrapped around all sides of this poem–Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Wonderful ode to your new grandbaby and to becoming a grandparent, Margaret.
This is a post to treasure, Margaret! Your new journal is stunning, and is made even more beautiful by your writing. And your poem about your precious grandson perfectly captures the sweet mystery that newborn bundle. Wishing you and all your family a New Year filled with many more moments of wonder!
What a lovely, light-filled post. Your new journal looks wonderful–I hope it continues to inspire you! And I love your ribbons of light haiku.
What a beautiful baby! Enjoy every moment–and Happy New Year.
In a word: Glorious.
Your work here makes one glad to be alive! The beauty, the wonder, the celebration of life – all food for the soul. Thank you, Margaret, for your grace, insight, and warmth. For being so welcoming. 🙂
[…] New Year! On Friday, I posted about my art journal that I am using for scrap paper poems. Often I am inspired to write while out and about. This […]
[…] #haikuforhope and in April as part of National Poetry Month. Why not do this every day? Using my scrap paper art journal, I am invited to just write without […]