Friday, December 3, 2021

Surprises, Decisions, & Changes

 

Debby and Cooper, December 2, 2021
Photo by Amy LV



Students - Sometimes we are surprised by something wonderful! This happened for my mother yesterday. After losing her beloved Max in October, Max of the (JOHN AND BETSY poems), she was not sure she would ever want another dog.

Then...Cooper showed up. My sister and I are convinced that Max sent Cooper to her. And also convinced that Max is teaching Cooper to be a very excellent (and very housetrained) puppy, even from the great beyond.

Have you ever been surprised by something wonderful? Or have you ever changed your mind about something you felt sure about? Has your heart ever had to make a big decision? My mom had many mixed feelings about getting a new dog. She was a bit afraid that she might not love him as much as she loved Max, a little nervous about taking on such a big project, and still sad for her loss. But she is an overflowing-with-love person, and so of course Cooper, with Max's help, found her.

If you aren't sure what to write about this week, consider writing about a surprise or a big decision or a change of heart. This could be based on a true story from your life, from someone else's life, or it could be complete fiction. You might even include voices in your poem as I did, using the real words you imagine or remember someone would say or think.

Michelle is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup at Michelle Kogan with a celebration of "holidaze" through joyful, hopeful, poetry and art. Please know that all are welcome each Friday as folks share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship.

11 comments:

  1. The whole story is right there in the picture -- the absolute JOY on your mom's face, and that knowing look Cooper gives the reader ("Go ahead, read the poem, I've got this under control," he says). Good dog, Max.

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  2. Your poem fills us up inside, so full of tenderness and love! And I love your line, "Her heart was a basket of tears," and how this basket of tears transforms. Mary Lee's spot on about the pic of your Mom, so much happiness and love there, thanks for sharing all Amy!

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  3. Such a heartwarming poem, photo and backstory. So glad Max sent Cooper to your mom! He is ADORABLE.

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  4. Such bundles of love. We are not dog people and its because of our constant travels from the beginning of our marriage. Now we bask in the glow of love beyond love from our granddog who is turning 11. I cannot imagine life without her. I am so happy for your mother. Your poem explains the loss and the joy found again in a pet. When I want to be happy I think of the conversations I have, real ones....in dog and human skritches and skratches, with our Tola and my heart grows and grows. I love how you capture real life in your poems, Amy. Janet Clare F.

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  5. I'm not a fan of actual dogs, but I'm coming to understand better and better the role they play for the people who adore them. I'm glad Max was watching out for Debby. I love heart as a basket of tears.

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  6. This gift for your mother has also been passed on to a family of my students who lost their dog last week. I've been telling their mother that she should get a puppy for Christmas. She loved your poem. I'll keep you posted on the puppy.

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  7. It sounds like Cooper is off to a great start. What a delightful poem! (And thanks for the writing tip.)

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  8. What a beautiful poem to match that beautiful picture! Thank you for sharing. Our dog's picture comes up on our video frame and we miss him every time. Thank you!
    Linda Dickman

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  9. So heartwarming! Surprises are the best. It sounds like Cooper was just the surprise your mom needed.

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  10. I am sick. I am exhausted. I'm a bit downhearted. But your photo and poem bring me so much happiness, Amy. Thank you!

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  11. This was lovely!! Just perfect. I'm sharing it w friends who have recently lost their dogs. And, you are right, of course, your mom is a person overflowing with love. Cooper couldn't have found a better home.

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