On Wednesday, I met with “The Three Pecans” after school writing club. We walked from the coffee shop to a gallery to see a student art show. I introduced ekphrasis to them, writing to art. I prompted with instructions to either write from observation with description or to enter the art and write from that perspective. All three of us were surprised at how the art drew poetic lines from us. Our poems were deep. We enjoyed reading them to each other and discussing where the emotions came from.
Each time I write with others I am surprised and fulfilled by how quickly we become close and confessional, sharing some of our most vulnerable parts. Poetry is magical in this way, bringing hearts together.
I asked my former student Kaia if I could share her poem today. I was struck by her conversation with her own heart.
this heart i see
the heart that beats
right in front of me
speaking in tongues, that only i understand
i feel it with my hand
i hear it with my ears
but why are you aching, my heart?
who hurt you?
the questions i ask go in one thump
and out the other.
she doesn’t know why
her heart is aching.
i don’t know why
my heart is aching.
Kaia, age 14
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I love that you walked from the coffee shop to the art exhibit. And that you used the teachable moment of the art exhibit to so aptly teach ekphrastic poetry. What a moment. Those three pecans will remember this forever, the day they learned about poetry writing inspired by art. The poem is uplifting and heartbreaking all at once. I chuckled at this a little bit because she brings ears to the heart:
the questions i ask go in one thump
and out the other.
Thanks for that note because I held back. I first thought the line was too humorous. I didn’t tell her so it is totally her work.
Poetry is magical in this way, bringing hearts together … such a true statement and perfectly demonstrated in the work of two students, artist and poet.
“who hurt you?” is such a big question to ask the heart…so much of mindfulness is about making friends with our feelings, including the negative ones…here it seems Kaia is making friends with heartache, which is quite beautiful. Thanks to both for such sweet sharing and vulnerability and words!
Thanks for sharing Kaia’s sensitive and powerful poem, so emotive too, makes me want to know more. Sounds like a good poetry gathering Margaret!
Such a meaningful and deep poem, written with such sensitivity. I like the idea of art drawing a poem out of someone.
I love that you went to see the art! When teaching I use to walk my class to the Weisman Modern Art Gallery on the U of M campus. There my 4th and 5th graders would write. Always magical! Thanks for sharing the student work!
Kids and art and writing. A wonderful combination.
Wow, Kaia’s poem is powerful, like her heart.
“the questions i ask go in one thump
and out the other”
Thanks for sharing her work and the power of poetry connection.
It’s wonderful what you do to teach and inspire your students, Margaret. They will never forget all the words from you and your dedication. Kaia’s poem, so poignant, sharing her heart’s feelings. I love that “thump”!
Such a poignant poem!
I love hearing about your newest writing group!
I love the peeks you are sharing from the Three Pecans!
Oh wow! What a powerful piece. …”the questions I ask go in one thump and out the other…” Oh how i love that line! I have so much love for your after school writing club!
Margaret, Kaia’s poem is so perfect for Alora’s artwork. How wonderful that you were their matchmaker!
Kaia’s poem is so lovely – trying to understand her heart and really listen to what it is saying “in one thump and out the other.” Sophisticated, yet child-like.
Oh, the empathy in Kaia’s poem. I love this poem and Alora’s art!
Oooohhhh that poem is stunning! Please pass along my admiration to Kaia, and thank you for sharing!
Such high praise coming from you.
Margaret, what a joy to read Kaia’s poem and see it with the student art. How fun to have the Three Pecans doing field trips and sharing deeply already! This image from Kaia’s poem is my favorite: “the questions i ask go in one thump / and out the other.”
Margaret, this line of yours is a gem: Poetry is magical in this way, bringing hearts together. Kayla’s poem asks a question deep enough to ponder. Love the insertion of the word thump.
Whoa. Lucky Pecans, witnessing art, writing together! Thanks to Kaia for sharing her ekphrastic poem; thanks to you for sharing it with all of us!