Conch
Photo by Amy LV
Click the arrow to hear me read this poem to you.
Students - I have been writing lots in my notebook lately, and when this happens...everything seems to quilt itself together. Last week in the PARADE magazine of THE BUFFALO NEWS, I read this article by Connie Schultz about her mother's seashells. Then, writing later in my notebook, I got thinking about listening. My mother always used to tell me that her mom was the best listener ever, that there are a lot of great talkers but not so many great listeners. I want to become a better listener.
Later still, somehow, I just got this picture in my head of a big person picking up smaller people, holding them up and listening to the stories they told. And that mind-picture did not want to go away!
People are like seashells in that way, don't you think? The world is magic when we slow ourselves down enough to notice.
Have you ever just had a picture pop into your head? The next time that happens, say to yourself, "I am going to write about that!" of "I think I may just draw that!" The picture might be trying to tell you or teach you something.
Speaking of pictures, a couple of weeks ago, I shared More Than a Number, my first song with Barry Lane. Today I offer you a slideshow to go along with it. This is our anthem to children during these days of excessive testing - every child is more than a number. If you like the song, please pass it on!
Thank you to everybody who shared photographs of their beautiful children with us. While we were unable to use every one, we loved them all.
Tabatha is hosting today's Poetry Friday feast over at The Opposite of Indifference. Stop and smell the poems!
Please share a comment below if you wish.
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It is always about the story, isn't it Amy? Love the poem that imagines a giant picking up people & listening to their stories. A sweet picture! I love the slideshow, & wish I would have sent one of my grand girls. Next time! The photos fit so beautifully with your song, Amy. Hurrah!
ReplyDeletePuts me in mind of Horton only with a prettier image! I love the song, too!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of imagining yourself a giant and listening carefully to tiny people's secrets. Hmmm. Sounds a little bit like a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of tiny people singing mysteries old and new...and the sound of your voice making this lovely poem come to life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this poem. It made me think of God and how even though we are "small" in comparison, he loves to listen to us.
ReplyDeleteLove love love the slideshow!! You know you're preaching/singing to the choir.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to listen.
I love the "ancient letters, old and dear." Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I love the interesting points of view you develop in your poems, like this one. Who would think of picking up people and listening to them like one listens to shells? Amy LV of course!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely poem. I read it last Friday, made a comment which seems to have not survived my novice blog-commenting, and am trying again. I love the notion of little people telling their stories and how you invite the reader further in with the question at the end.
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