Thursday, January 14, 2016

Poetry Friday-Celebrating Words



         Keri Collins-Lewis hosts Poetry Friday today at Keri Recommends. Thanks to Keri today, we get an extra bit of magic. Be sure to read her inspiring post!

           Starting Monday, a huge celebration of children's books has been happening. The Youth Media Awards were announced at the Midwinter ALA for the 2015 publishing year. Many wonderful books came out last year, including poetry novels-in-verse, poetry by one person, and anthologies. I own so many marvelous poetry books for children and teens, from a long time ago to now. Yet, I don't remember a time in all of my teaching that there has been such a wealth of poetry and beautiful words available for teachers to share with students. Many of you are part of that wealth, and should be proud that you are bringing beautiful poetry to children of all ages.

          There are also numerous poems celebrating poetry, and one I'm sharing today is by Dylan Thomas. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

           Notes On the Art of Poetry ~ Dylan Thomas

I could never have dreamt that there were such goings-on
in the world between the covers of books, 
such sandstorms and ice blasts of words,,, 
such staggering peace, such enormous laughter, 

                                                 The rest is here.

And you can listen to it on YouTube, while watching a short video created for it.

33 comments:

  1. Oh, my! How have I lived this long without knowing this poem? Thank you, Linda!

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    1. You're welcome, Jane. I think it's wonderful, too!

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  2. "such goings-on" ...I love the "goings-on" described so dynamically in the poem, which I'm grateful you shared.

    "such goings-on" ...thank you for pointing out the exciting news that I've experienced, too! Never before has poetry been as accessible to and well received by students and teachers! Thank you, too, for voicing appreciation to PF community members who are responsible for those glorious "goings-on." Now, I need to add my voice to thank YOU, too! God bless you!

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    1. You're welcome, cb, happy you enjoyed Dylan Thomas' "words".

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  3. "splashing all over the pages
    in a million bits and pieces" - swoon!
    Thank you for sharing this today, Linda! =)

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    1. You're welcome, Bridget. I liked it so much when I first read it!

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  4. I love how the sound and pictures bring the poem to life in the video! Thank you for introducing this poem to me. It is amazing.

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    1. You're welcome, Kay. I was glad to discover the video & then share it!

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  5. Oh, I've been out of touch with this poem for a long time... thanks for bringing it back to me, right smack in the middle of my day! And grateful for your tireless passion for poetry, Linda - all the " delight and glory and oddity and light."

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    1. I imagined that some of you would know this poem, but have not seen it shared, at least recently. Thanks, Robyn!

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  6. LOVE! I feel like I've hit the jackpot here. My son was named after Dylan Thomas and I've always wanted to find a poem of his that my Dylan could really relate to. Now I've got one! Thank you, Linda.

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    1. Now that is a wonderful connection, Michelle, & I'm really glad I shared the poem.

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  7. A true celebration of the power of words. I love the sense of discovery in this poem.

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    1. It's like a big 'shout-out', isn't it? Thanks, Laura.

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  8. A beautiful poem, full of light and wondrous words! Thank you so much for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome, Catherine. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  9. Linda, thank you so much for sharing Dylan Thomas' amazing poem with the glorious line such sandstorms and ice blasts of words,,, I love the emphasis on words, words, words because they are the bedrock of poetry.

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    1. It is wonderful, isn't it-filled with what we need! Thanks, Carol.

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  10. So pleased about Michelle's connection to this poem! I am excited to revisit this glorious poem and even more excited to hear Sean Bean read it. Thanks, Linda! I *love* his poetry recitations.

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    1. These videos I found when I was looking just for the poem are marvelous, a new discovery for me. Sounds as if you know them, Tabatha. Glad you enjoyed visiting again. Thanks!

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  11. What a fabulous poem! I've never seen it before!

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  12. I'll be sharing both the video and the poem with my class next week! Thanks!

    And I agree about the poetry riches available the year and recently (and hopefully from now on forever!).

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    1. Terrific, Mary Lee, I hope you have fun with the sharing with your class.

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  13. Great poem. Such goings-on with those commas! Can anyone explain that to me?

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    1. I would guess that only Dylan Thomas could explain, Diane. Perhaps his own kind of ellipses?

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  14. What a wonderful poem to delight the heart of a writer! Love it!!

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    1. Thanks, Violet. I enjoyed it & loved sharing it, too.

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  15. It appears you have struck a cord and shown us a new (and glorious) poem! I want to frame it and put it on the wall! The recording gave me goosebumps -- what a voice!

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    1. I knew what you really meant, Keri! It is beautiful isn't it, and the video too. Thanks again for your wonderful post!

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  17. "ice blasts of words" - seems particularly apt given your winter season where you are, dear Linda. It's raining hard right now here in Singapore as well, as I type these words. Great to revisit Dylan Thomas' poetry.

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    1. We haven't had much snow lately, but yes, it is cold! Hope you enjoy the rain, but it doesn't stay long, Myra. Glad you enjoyed the poem.

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