I’ve been writing this month with Ethical ELA’s #Verselove. On Sunday, Susan Ahlbrand led us in a prompt called “Lingering Lines.” We could choose a song from a musical to use as inspiration. One of my favorite musicals is Waitress by Sarah Bareilles, and my favorite song is You Matter to Me. Try to listen to it without crying. I can’t.
This weekend my daughter was visiting with her son, Thomas, who is now 5 and a half. How time flies! He is the sweetest boy with an active imagination and crystal blue eyes. He loves me without condition which warms my mamére heart. I borrowed the song lyric and wrote a short poem for Thomas.
You Matter to Me
I find sea glass treasure in your eyes.
You look in my heart as a mirror
and smile for the picture frame.
You matter to me.I sing a lullaby love song
and you think I’m magical.
You say “I love you” like they’re
the easiest words to say.I know your love is true
innocence of a 5 year old
simple and free, no baggage
or judgement. You see
You matter to me.Margaret Simon, draft
Kidlit Progressive Poem Update: Patricia had a family emergency, so Rose is taking her line today (at Imagine the Possibilities). That is one thing I love about this community. We can lean on each other.
Reflections on the Teche 
This poem is a treasure!
Margaret,
Seems we both did grandma duty this past weekend. Thomas is a cutie. Love that sea glass image in your poem.
Oh Thomas! What a treasure! I know he is the apple of your eye. What a lovely poem, Margaret!
Margaret, Thomas is as adorable as he was when he was younger! Wonderful that you had time with Thomas and your daughter. I love your beautiful poem. I adore this line “I find sea glass treasure in your eyes.”
This grandma-duty thing is a blessed and wonderful chapter of life for those of us lucky enough to get here! HE is a cutie and your poem is a clear description of your love and joy of being in his life.
from your first image to your repetition of the beautiful ‘you matter to me’, this poem is such a gift. You really capture that sincere and simple love from a child.
I have always loved his eyes! And sea glass treasure is the perfect image. Beautiful poem filled with love.
A repeating line that would be fun to try myself, ‘You matter to me’. What a great poem for Grandson when he is old enough to appreciate. 🙂