With my students, I am using the recent Ethical ELA book 90 Ways of Community for writing prompts. This week we used two different prompts. The first was from Leilya Pitre about taking a break, a walk, and writing a narrative poem.
Veteran’s Day Walk
Finally, a chilly wind blows my white hair into my eyes reminding me that winter is on its way.
Leaves dapple the playground mulch like confetti left over from a football game. This is how fall is… coming in on a wind soothing my severed soul into a peaceful, place of presence.
The second prompt I used was from Jodi Opager asking us to step into the shoes of another person or object. Avalyn has been exploring putting tone and emotion into her poems. She wrote from the POV of the TV. This poem she wrote breaks my heart for her, but she assures me that she is OK and handling things.
Broken Memories
I turn on again watching the mom and her daughter.
I remember it as clear as day.
I remember how the daughter cried because her mom was fussing for the third time that day.
I remember how the dad stomped upstairs packed his bags and left
but everything was fuzzy because now I sit in the hallway empty dead waiting to be fixed.
by Avalyn, 5th grade
My sister texted me this photo of my mother from the 70’s. I remember this photo and that my mother was pretending to sleep. My perspective writing is from her point of view with memories of a life full of love.
I remember holding Raggedy Ann pretending to sleep next to you after story time.
I remember riding in the backseat of the Delta 88 because you got carsick through the curves of Zion National Park.
I remember roses blooming on the “island” alongside our cypress tree, how your father sketched all day watching our heron fishing.
I remember you when you come, I smile and say, Thank you.
Wonderful Margaret, your student is brave in her words, precise & a true Poet. My hope is that she finds many adults in her life who are safe & wise like you. My heart aches for her.
Oh, wow…where to start. These three poems are all so different but strong in beauty. I love that white hair reminding that winter is coming. And, Avalyn’s description of “fuzzy” from a TV is delicious even if the content is sad…her tone is well done. Your mama….look at her. What a tender, tender ‘I Remember’ poem. I love that your mother speaks to you in this. A tear-jerker, it’s so lovely.
Hi Margaret, I love that photo of your mom, a rather sly grin on her face! And now you’ve written a poem for her, from her, a lovely greeting! Avalyn’s poem from the TV POV, wow! I am glad you touched base with her about it. And then, your first one, a poignant rendering of a walk that soothes. I love the idea of “confetti” and will think of it during my seemingly endless time of raking! Hope you have a nice weekend!
Margaret, I am sorry that this comment is so late. I am stunned by Avalyn’s poem. She writes with such emotion and care for words. Your poem about your Mother is a tender one also. This line, soothing my severed soul, is quite a statement. Peaceful places of presence are what we all need.
Margaret Simon lives on the Bayou Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana. She teaches gifted elementary students, writes poetry and children's books. Welcome to a space of peace, poetry, and personal reflection. Walk in kindness.
Reflections on the Teche 
Wonderful Margaret, your student is brave in her words, precise & a true Poet. My hope is that she finds many adults in her life who are safe & wise like you. My heart aches for her.
Margaret, “severed soul” — wow.
And, oh, Avalyn! I want to send her a bucket of hugs.
Love that photo of your dear mom. ❤️
Great imagery Margaret! I can relate to getting carsick on the curves of Zion National Park.
My heart breaks too for Avalyn! : (
Oh Margaret, the words of the fifth grader! My heart! I realy loved your narrative on fall poem.
Wow what a wonderful poet Avalyn is! She has a great poetry teacher too! I love that picture of your mom and Raggedy Ann and the memories you shared.
Oh, wow…where to start. These three poems are all so different but strong in beauty. I love that white hair reminding that winter is coming. And, Avalyn’s description of “fuzzy” from a TV is delicious even if the content is sad…her tone is well done. Your mama….look at her. What a tender, tender ‘I Remember’ poem. I love that your mother speaks to you in this. A tear-jerker, it’s so lovely.
All of these poems are so touching. Thank you for sharing them, Margaret.
Hi Margaret, I love that photo of your mom, a rather sly grin on her face! And now you’ve written a poem for her, from her, a lovely greeting! Avalyn’s poem from the TV POV, wow! I am glad you touched base with her about it. And then, your first one, a poignant rendering of a walk that soothes. I love the idea of “confetti” and will think of it during my seemingly endless time of raking! Hope you have a nice weekend!
Thank you for reminding me of the power of poetry this grey Monday, Margaret. Hope to see you at NCTE!
I won’t be going this year. Have a great conference!
Oh, they still have you listed as a speaker. I’ll miss you, roomie!
Margaret, I am sorry that this comment is so late. I am stunned by Avalyn’s poem. She writes with such emotion and care for words. Your poem about your Mother is a tender one also. This line, soothing my severed soul, is quite a statement. Peaceful places of presence are what we all need.