A Color for My Teacher

Please note that on Poetry Friday August 23 we will celebrate the life of Lee Bennett Hopkins here at The Poem Farm. At Jone MacCulloch's great suggestion, I invite everyone who wishes to write and share a poem inspired by or including a line from a LBH poem. Tag with #DearOneLBH. Thank you. xo, Amy

Cotton on Linen

Photo by Amy LV

Sky Over Barn Over Thistles

Photo by Amy LV

Students - Poetry Great Lee Bennett Hopkins died yesterday after living a rich, beautiful, word-filled, generous life.  I am thankful to call him my teacher as he was teacher to so many.  And while I grieve and mourn today, my work is to continue to write the best I can...the way Lee taught me to do.

As I told my children last night, when you wish to learn something deeply, seek a mentor. And my wish for you is that you will be as fortunate as I was in finding one so giving, so funny, so wise.

One day when you are filled with tears, remember that you can turn tears into words. It helps a little.  I liked stitching these stitches today, finding the thistles, looking for words and remembering.

Please read about and celebrate Lee's life here at his website and here in yesterday's news.  Read one of his books!  And suddenly, you may find yourself reading 120 of his books!  (Did you know he is in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS for having edited the most poetry anthologies for children?) 

Lee Bennett Hopkins

1938 - 2019

Photo by Charles Egita

May he rest in peace and poetry.

xx

Molly is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at Nix the comfort zone with a post about writing from titles and two lovely poems with the same title - Lost in the Milky Way. Please know that we gather each Friday, sharing poems and poemlove, and all are always welcome.

Please share a comment below if you wish.

If you are under 13 years old, please comment only with a parent 

or as part of a group with your teacher and class.

Sometimes You Write from Grief

Students and Educators Shot and Killed in School 

Parkland, Florida February 2018

Photo by Amy LV

Students - Sometimes a person cannot find the words. There are so many words, so so many.  But sometimes they just cannot express the depth of a person's sadness and anger. And so here is my small poem offering for today.

Student and Educator Friends - I am heartbroken and so sorry that you have to do lockdown drills in school.  Children - please know that there are many adults working hard to keep you safe.  You are loved.  And your love brightens up so many corners of our world.  Shine those candle-hearts of yours.  Find the kindness and peace in others and in yourself.  We all can do this, and this finding and giving will fill our days with love.

Please comment this week over at Tuesday's post, where Bonnie LaMonaco's beautiful second graders spread love with their kindness poems.  I would love for them to read some generous words from us all.

Jone is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup at Check It Out with Cybils goodness and postcard joy.  You can even sign up to receive a student poem postcard as part of the 10th Student Poetry Postcard Event! Each week, we gather our posts together at one blog, so if you visit Jone this week...you will be introduced to many new poets and blogs and books.  

Please share a comment below if you wish.

If you are under 13 years old, please comment only with a parent 

or as part of a group with your teacher and class.