For 5 years I’ve been participating in Ethical ELA’s #verselove and #openwrite. This month Sarah Donovan (whose brainchild is Ethical ELA) led us in 3 days of Open Write prompts. One of these prompts was to write a demi-sonnet. This form includes 7 lines with semi-rhymes. One of Sarah’s suggestions was to write about a moment you almost missed.
At the moment I was holding my pen above my notebook I could hear the loud morning call of a wren outside. Writing in May has been hard for me. It’s a busy month as school winds down. This May has been particularly hard as I cleaned my classroom for the last time. My demi-sonnet turned into advice for myself.
I Almost Missed the Call
Morning wren calls my inner critic’s bluff
repeating wake up, wake up, wake up.
I almost missed its call
holding me accountable for my role.
Open the blank page, it is enough.
Ink seven lines of poetic stuff.
Bloom from an imperfect soul.
Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
To almost miss the call is so relatable! Thinking of you as you exit this chapter, Margaret. xo
a lovely message for today and every day! There was a wren in my garage calling me this morning! Happy retirement, Margaret!
So impressed by the fact that you DIDN’T miss the call, even with everything going on. Sending you extra hugs as you make this change. I’m glad you can write about it!
Leave it to Wren to issue the call.
(I’m in love with those last two lines! Here’s to more “lines of poetic stuff” and “imperfect souls!”)
Channeling with a wren and “Bloom from an imperfect soul.” Two gorgeously rich thoughts, thanks for these treasures, I’m sure there are more ahead for you!
I enjoyed reading this on the OpenWrite and it inspires me again going into a busy week. Here’s to some post-retirement calls to pen!
Here’s to post-retirement calls to sit and write!
Wren’s call is certainly not to be missed! Love “ink seven lines of poetic stuff.” Thinking of you as you navigate these last weeks.
Love “Bloom from an imperfect soul.” Happy Retirement and all the best for your next chapter. I know you will continue to answer many more calls to write beautiful poems.
Margaret, at this time be filled with the delight of being such an amazing teacher throughout the years. You are moving into a new chapter of life. Happy Retirement, my friend. Mr. Wren brought you a surprise: Ink seven lines of poetic stuff!
Margaret, your poem is so appropriate for you at this time. Just think of all the calls you will hear, as you head into this next phase. You will have time to revel in nature more than ever before! I look forward to hearing about it.
Love that you answered the call. I look forward to your new journey. There are a lot of retired teachers in the world of blogging. Your words always inspire me.
Oh, Margaret, this is just lovely.
“Bloom from an imperfect soul” is marvelous life advice.
Best wishes as you retire from teaching and even more good wishes for the next chapter!
Oh, that ending…it’s perfect, Margaret! I’m so excited for your retirement!