You Can Never Take It Back
by Amy LV
Students - I found today's poem in an old notebook from 2011. Below, you can see two drafts of it as well as a little note about why I likely wrote it: I was short with my husband.
Old Notebooks are Friends
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You'll notice that today's version repeats I am sorry three times rather than changing the last line to simply I am. Somehow this felt right to me.
I like the tooth fence. I appreciate apologies and learned from my mother that to apologize is brave and that it really matters to the hurt person.
Keeping a notebook helps me not only write better, but I like to think that it helps me to become a kinder soul. Reflection is healthy. And going back to read old notebooks is like hopping on a time machine made out of paper and ink. Who knows what poems we will find in our pasts? We can only find them, though, if we write regularly. Notebooks are friends.
Margaret is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at Reflections on the Teche with a lovely book share and invitation to write. All are always welcome at these weekly gatherings of poetry and friendship.
Please share a comment below if you wish.
"keep them behind my white tooth fence" - oh, how many times have I wished for this? Perfect poem that captures those emotions, Amy. =)
ReplyDeleteWatching out for words blurted does often need a 'white-tooth fence', Amy. You've written it right! It might help if we learned to write those words of apology, too. I love the Memorial Day poem, too. My father was killed in World War II, & it is a special day for me to remember him, and then also others who fought for our freedoms. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWords can hurt more than sticks and stone, I think. They can shape us, wear us down and stick in our heads like thorns. And the people who say them, didn't mean that at all. I like the idea of your white-tooth fence. And I'll bet you were forgiven long ago. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love hurrytumble! That's exactly what words do that should be called back.
ReplyDeleteI like the hurrytumble and white tooth fence. I have lots of notebooks but haven't looked back in them lately. Something to think about doing this summer.
ReplyDeleteOMG, this touched me so. What a perfect poem. I love every word. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting, Amy, you should comment on repeating a line. This came up yesterday as we were reading something together as a class. We were pondering why writers do that sometimes. Heartbreaking poem. ;-( -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteBefore I started writing this comment, I was looking closely at your poem— listing things in my mind that I especially liked, starting with "hurrytumble" and "whisper them back." Eventually I realized that if I kept going, I would pretty much just be reciting it all, word for word. This is a beauty, Amy, and a wonderful mentor text on so many levels. xo
ReplyDeleteHow many times have I wished my "white tooth fence" was better at keeping back hurtful words? When I fail, though, an apology is the bravest, best route to take. Thank you for this poem.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to spend some time each day mining old notebooks!
ReplyDeleteVery touching, and so kid-friendly, Amy - I'm sure more than one child can easily relate to this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, heartfelt poem Amy, I loved these lines, "hurrytumble from my mouth," "my white tooth fence guard them with my sharp pink tongue." I appreciated and relate to your connection with writing in a notebook and having it to refer back to also, thanks for all!
ReplyDeleteOooops! I commented in last week's poem spot.
ReplyDeleteI really think that 'An Apology' is a great poem for middle school Poem in Your Pocket Day. Thanks for this one.
"And going back to read old notebooks is like hopping on a time machine made out of paper and ink. Who knows what poems we will find in our pasts? We can only find them, though, if we write regularly. Notebooks are friends."
ReplyDeleteYES!!!! Your blog is such a vital resource to me and your poems inspire me to be the best children's poet I can me. AMY LV POWER!
This was to touching to me As a blogger myself this inspired me to do another!!!!!!!
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