Welcome to This Photo Wants to be a Poem. If this is your first time here, let me explain. Originating with Laura Purdie Salas’s weekly writing prompt 15 Words or Less, This Photo is a weekly photo-inspired writing prompt. Each Wednesday I post a photo and invite you to write a small poem in response in the comments section. If you write a poem, please write encouraging comments to other poets by replying to their comments. This is a safe place to play with poetry. No worries. No critics.
This week I am posting a photo that my daughter Maggie took of her 3 year old, my grandson Leo as they were leaving a diner. That’s as much as I want to tell you because when I saw this picture, I thought there’s a story in this photo. You can write the story in your small poem. Have fun with it.
Did you have your coffee?
Margaret Simon, draft
Do you see the door?
I’m ready to explore.
Won’t you come with me?
Reflections on the Teche 
As always, little ones showing agency delight me. Wondering what could be on their minds—also great fun:
Should I open this big door?
Big people are outside,
So I could go and be with them,
or stay right here and hide!
I love your perspective. Open the door or stay inside.
Thank you, Margaret!
Carol, so true about wondering what could be on their minds. He looks like he is teasing as he opens the door. I can see your poem captures that possibility of what he might be thinking.
Thanks, Denise!
Thank you, Denise! I love trying to ‘channel’ very young voices….
Caro, that is SO kidlike! Thank you!
Thanks for mentioning, Jane—I do love to ‘channel’ their voices if I can.
Carol, Well, that interior conflict. Our granddaughter is a “showman” at home and at heart, but in public or in school? A very shy, reserved girl. I just saw the little show her music teacher presented and she was timid. NOT at all like the “STAR of stage and screen” at home. How much do we never get to know in school? And that’s ok, they should choose as they wish. I have been a teacher for 50+ years and hope I never stop getting to spend time with the kiddos I love to teach.
Oh my gosh, Janet—she’s the character in my MG novel in verse (as am I, haha). Thanks for this story, and I hope you never have to stop teaching the kiddos you love, too!
What a great picture, Margaret!
Open the door
and what do you know?
The world awaits –
Let’s go!
I can hear Leo saying, “Let’s go!”
Right, Rose. “Let’s go!” Times-a-wastin’….right can’t you see that sweet smile trying to light up the world (and get his way)……they are truly masters of knowing how to push those heart strings of parents and Mameres!!!! A sweet poem.
Rose, precious! Leo looks like he is ready to explore the world.
Sounds like a great morning mantra!
You captured the delight of the always-ready-to-go young explorer, Rose—so much fun to watch!
An eager child, ready to explore. Thanks, Rose!
Ah, I came up with one, still a draft. HOW ADORABLE LEO IS. He just needs a banana and a little cap to fit my title, but I see it!! Such a smile.
Excited Conductor
I might be little and only three,
but let me help you, there’s a world to see!
Open your heart, open your mind,
I’ll open this door, let’s see what we’ll find.
We’ll step outside find adventures galore!
I’ll be right here, I’m your guide! Let’s explore!
draft, Janet Clare Fagal
Love the rhyming verse! He obviously loves to dress up in costume.
BanDana!! Did he really try to be in a costume? And hey those googles. Are they his glasses!!!
Janet, I love the idea of this little conductor giving a tour. He totally looks ready for that!
The conductor is such a great image. It matches the feeling of energy and movement throughout the poem.
Love the agency of the little conductor!
“Let me help you” explore—wonderful! Love the child leading the adults!
Janet, I love your title. You’ve captured the excitement small children have for exploring the world around them–that which has become mundane to us. It’s fun to have an excited conductor to help us be thankful for all the little things.
Thanks to all for such nice comments. And Jane, he reminds me of you know who (for others not my fb buddies….I have two grands ages 6 and 3 1/2….they make my heart sing. Except I think Mamere is a grander name than mine but I will keep Grandma!) I am hoping Margaret will give us a hint at the backstory!! I mean his outfit, the goggles (not googles, sorry, typing early without glasses ends up with too many mistakes/typos….) and his mud boots. Oh he must have an adventuring plan in place!! So much fun.
What a fun idea for a poetry prompt! I agree that this photo is rich with writing opportunities! I love the poem that you wrote–those last two lines feel like they epitomize kids of this age–ready to explore/won’t you come with me?
PRECIOUS!! Leo has such style! I believe I know where he gets it, Mamere… 🙂
Mom, let’s go. Time to swim.
Or maybe we can go to the gym.
Ready for a motorbike ride.
Or we can go to the park and slide.
I love the idea of choices. Such an embodiment of childhood.
I love the feeling of limitless choices — it truly captures that childhood perspective.
Yes, Leo looks ready to take charge of the choices!
You pegged Leo as one who would definitely negotiate these choices.
So much to do! to see! to experience! What’s the holdup? I have the feeling that this little guy would be happy with any of the choices mentioned. Thanks, Denise
Definitely, Leo is full of ideas, knows Mom well so he is giving her options. Clever!!! But let’s get out and play, fabulous!!!
Thanks, Margaret, for the fun post. Leo looks ready to explore, and he’s obviously smiling at the special someone he wants to go with him.
Sorry to be late to the party! I was absorbed in a project yesterday but couldn’t pass up this precious picture. Thanks, Margaret!
Leo lives life in reverse.
Wears mud-stompers in a drought,
Overalls in the suburbs,
Goggles in the stillness.
You see STOP;
Leo says “Let’s go!”
You see CLOSED;
Leo says “Let’s open it!”
You see NO;
And Leo knows that in reverse,
It’s ON!
Susan, Thanks for this delightful poem using Leo’s name. I want to send this to my daughter because it is so true. I love how you incorporated the signs in your poem. And the ending is just right…it’s on!
Thanks for an inspiring photo, Margaret! I hope your daughter enjoys the poem! I really had fun with this:-).
Susan, I love your word play here, especially in the switcheroo of the last two lines. Thanks.
Oh, I have to echo both Margaret and Jane, Susan. Nicely done! And so special to include his name!!
Susan, precious! I see that Leo would not be hindered by any of the “closed” or “no’s” around them!
Love this and don’t know Leo—but it captures so much!
Your poem is charming, Margaret. Mine took a similar theme:
Sign says “Closed,”
Sign says “NO,”
Face says “Open,
Come on, let’s go!”
Jane Heitman Healy, Draft 3/3/22
Yes, the little ones we know and love and all the rest or at least most, have this adventuresome streak built right in. I hope to never forget the joys in watching my grandkids grow. It has been the pleasure of my life (and I have had many blessed, wonderful things in my time which I am so utterly grateful for)……So your poem, gets at the heart of that spirit!! I love Face says “open, !!!
“Face says ‘open'” is so beautiful! And Leo’s face definitely says open!
Love it!
I am sure Mamere or Mom or Dad are always ready to explore with that sweet Leo. I loved having a chance to write about him!!!