Today I am thrilled to be a stop on the blog tour for Hop To It: Poems to Get You Moving, the latest anthology from the dynamic duo, Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong of Pomelo Books. The call went out earlier this year for poems that children can experience with their bodies. When the pandemic hit, Sylvia and Janet, who are known for responding to world events with poems, gathered pandemic poetry as well. This book is an inspiration for poets, teachers, and children.
I have written a collection of mindfulness poems that have yet to find a home, so I submitted a few to Sylvia and Janet, who selected Zen Tree. I absolutely love how the side bar bubbles give more information as well as a paired poem. This added touch is what makes Pomelo Books unique and teacher-friendly.
Heidi Mordhorst and Catherine Flynn, two friends from my Sunday Night Swaggers writing group, also have poems included. Catherine’s birthday is today, so hop over to her post to wish her Happy Birthday and to read her Mental Floss poem. Heidi gave me permission to share hers here. We are bouncing, flossing, tickling, and breathing along with 90 poets. What an amazing party!
Next stop Poetry for Children, blogspot for Sylvia Vardell, for more fun news about this book.
Reflections on the Teche 
Janet and Sylvia are such champions for poetry, and both these poems offer fun ways to engage kids… you’ve got me thinking about that sprinkling orange and tickling the ceiling. Congratulations to all! xo
Orange is your colour, Margaret! I remember one you shared about the fizzing orange drink – the Bayou. (And it was delicious!) Thrilled to be another one of the 90 in this collection with you. Congratulations!
How can it be that I’ve already visited several wonderful HOP TO IT posts today, and I’m only now coming to your “official” blog tour post? Well, for the record, I declare it officially awesome, Margaret. đŸ™‚ Your Zen Tree is such a comfort and Heidi’s tickle poem is delightful. They are just what the doctor ordered (besides wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands, of course). Two different approaches to relieving stress, both spot on for kids. Brava!
I’m having so much fun reading all the poems in this book! It is a must have for teachers and parents. (And I’m honored to have a poem included, too!).
“Zen Tree” is such a comforting poem. Let’s hope that someday soon we will all be able to feel the warmth of a holding hug.
Such a nice contrast your poem is to Heidi’s, and a great way to end a day of school work. A sprinkle of orange and a hug.
The book sounds like so much fun, and I love the informational aspect as well as the poetic. Adore your tree poem… adore trees in general … and am struck by its being what it wants to be. Contentment is linked to purpose. Congratulations, Margaret.
Margaret: I think kids will love the way your last line invites us to wrap ourselves in a holding hug. Not only is that a very pandemic-friendly type of hug, but it helps to stretch our fingers, hands, arms, shoulders, and back. This poem is a daily MUST-do 30-second indoor recess!!!
This really looks like a wonderful anthology!
Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Margaret your other mindful poems should be in a collection soon, if they are as evocative as this. I feel relaxed just reading you, without getting up to be the Tree, which I think I will ask my dear hubby to try with me tonight. Wonderful.
And applause to all the included poets.
This really does look like a fabulous anthology and congratulations on your wonderful Zen Tree being included. It’s such a favorite of mine! I’m so glad you also shared Heidi’s–What a fun romp of a poem! Congratulations to Catherine as well and to all others who have a poem included. PS The sidebar notes are a great addition!
Congratulations, Margaret. I love your “Zen Tree” & that wrapping self in a hug! You have beautiful trees around you I know. We are fortunate to have them wherever we live. And I love Heidi’s poem, saw it on her post, too. Best wishes for your weekend coming, the wedding!
I like both of your poems. Zen Tree….a feeling of being so strong and yet calm and Heidi’s poem about tickle’s and stretching is one kids will relate to. Laughter is their best medicine and so good for the rest of us!! I can’t wait to see my copy of Hop To It ! And happy to be in such wonderful company. Thanks for this stop of the BLog tour!
I always feel so much stronger after Tree pose. I love that your poem is full of action: spread, reach, grow, sprinkle, yet ends with that peaceful, healing hug. Beautiful.
Congrats on your “Zen Tree” poem being included in such a great anthology. I love the lines: “when the sun falls down
and sprinkles orange over all my leaves” – my favorite color showing her flashy style in my favorite season.
The sidebar factoids are great – the fungal networks being the wood wide web. Hee hee. đŸ™‚
Hooray! This poem is fantastic. And, I love that it’s neighbor to Heidi. I have both your poems as possibles for my school’s Pandemonium ’21. Your soothing voice is perfect for a poem titled, Zen Tree.
Both poems a delight — congrats on being included in the latest anthology by the dynamic duo!!
Margaret, that “Zen Tree” is one of my favorites from your wonderful collection–may it find a “holding hug” of a home soon. Thanks for featuring HOP TO IT and my own little piece of it…I was compelled to post today as well after all (I hope you agree that the more mentions the better for the book!)
Lovely contemplative poem Margaret, congrats on having it in the anthology! I really like the quietness and embrace of the closing lines, thanks
Hi, Margaret,
I thought I had responded here, but I don’t see my comment. But I may also be losing my grip on reality! :-). I just want to say THANK YOU for your beautiful poem, your lovely blog post, and ALL your support! And keep working on your mindfulness collection– which we could all really use!
What a beautiful image your poem paints, Margaret. Such a lovely addition to the collection.