Here are all the poetry Friday posts, hosted by Violet Nesdoly who shares a terrifying poem connecting to the fire that's burning in Alberta, Canada. Be sure to find a way to help those who've lost their homes and possessions in Fort MacMurray and elsewhere.
I want to compliment Jone MacCulloch for the yearly joy she helps students in her school bring to so many of us from her Poetry Postcard project. I've seen numerous articles recently about the importance of poetry for students of all ages. Here is one from Edutopia. When my former students re-connect, one thing they often remind me of is the good times we had when we wrote and read poetry. I KNOW that it's important, to read and write it, to share it with others. And so want to thank Jone and "my" poet Braeden who gave me a surprise "smile" in my mailbox!
There is serendipity too! My poem has a special connection. Before my husband and I moved to Colorado, we lived on a lake. It was a wonderful time. We had a dock, swam off the dock every chance we could, taught our son to swim there, canoed often. In the winter we ice skated. I never minded the fish, but several times in the summer as I sat lounging on the dock, I would see a head pop up, a turtle head. And those who had lived at the lake a long time said to watch out for the turtles, to be sure to keep moving when swimming because they bit toes. I still swam, but I also never forgot that advice. The turtle head was big!
Here is my wonderful poem, thanks to Braeden and Jone!
 |
| Click to enlarge! |
Linda, I love your story before the poem and how this poem triggered connections for you. What wonderful memories! I really enjoyed this line and it made me stop and think - crawl like a salamander
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mandy, it is terrific, I agree. Jone and the students do a lot of work to make this happen.
DeleteThanks for sharing that delightful postcard poem, Linda! As you know, I'm a fan of poetry and illustration so I'm thinking I need to learn more about Jone's poetry postcard project.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Penny. I'm sure Jone will tell you all she does to make it happen!
DeleteJone's project is so very special. Thanks for sharing your own turtly story, and Brendan's work here. I LOVE the progression from all that snapping and action to waiting, to hiding, as the poem slows down to rest at the end.... :0)
ReplyDeleteAs you see from my words, I agree, Robyn. The postcard writing and sharing is a special tradition. I loved my poem, turtle snapping.
DeleteI'm glad that you swam anyway, and that you didn't have any painful encounters, Linda. Braeden's poem sounds like it is right out of the mouth of a snapping turtle.
ReplyDeleteYes, my toes kept wiggling! Thanks, Tabatha. I was delighted to receive this "snapping turtle" in my mail!
DeleteWow, talk about coincidence! Well done, Braeden - and thanks for sharing, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Matt. This time it was a double-good surprise.
DeleteYikes! I think Braeden was channeling your lake turtle, Linda! I have to say that a turtle snapping at my toes may keep me out of the lake. You are braver than I. =)
ReplyDeleteI never felt it, but was always wiggling my toes! Thanks, Bridget.
DeleteI agree with Bridget--the threat of turtle snapping at my toes would easily keep me on the shore. I love how your students reminisce about poetry when you get together. I'm sure you made a great difference in many lives!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Violet, and I couldn't resist the lake, had to take the chance.
DeleteWhat a cute poem about turtles, along with your reminiscence. I regret not signing up for a postcard this year.
ReplyDeleteYou should, Margaret, they are always delightful.
DeleteIf I was a snapping turtle, I'd want to live in Braeden's poem. Lovely job he did, and great story of yours, too, Linda. We were dangling our toes and watching turtles at Tully Lake, and one bit my son's toe. We are more cautious now, visiting nature in all its glory.
ReplyDeleteWe never felt a nibble, but did see the turtle's head often enough. Perhaps he always had enough food? Sorry about your son. And yes, Braeden did a great job with the poem. Thanks, Brenda.
DeleteLinda, I do think that Jone's project is a wonderful example of service learning and can be included under random acts of poetry. Your card was delightful and how nicely it connects with your lake story. I have never been that close to a large turtle so thanks for telling me about the toe-nipping tendency. (I am planning on showcasing my postcard poem that I received this weekend.) Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'll look for your postcard, Carol. Yes, as you see, I appreciate Jone's project, too. I didn't think of it as a project of service, but it really is one, you're right. Hope your weekend brings some good times, too, including some quiet!
DeleteI've received cards from Jone's students for several years. My favorite was the year I got one about Pompeii and we study ancient history in 6th grade. Love the rhythm in Braden's line: "I'd snap catch and eat." So fun that you lived on a lake, before Colorado? Wonder where you were . . . Missouri?
ReplyDeleteYes, on a lake outside Kansas City, MO. It was the few years before we moved, a wonderful place. Thanks, Ramona.
DeleteI was the recipient of two of these poems too! I love them! I would love to live on a lake, turtle and all!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol, the postcards are treasures in the mail.
DeleteWhat a lovely memory that postcard triggered, Linda. Living on a lake was always a dream of ours...until we found the farm. :)
ReplyDeleteI understand, that farm is going to be marvelous, day after day after month after year!
DeleteI just came from Matt's post -- two postcards in a row that prompted memories!!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure in the mail! Thanks, Mary Lee!
DeleteI too was surprised by joy in my letterbox this week, Linda. It was Friday - and my post was already up for this week, but you know what I'll be sharing next week. Like you, I loved mine. Jone and her kids have spread a lot of smiles with that project!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, happy to hear about your surprise, too! Thanks, Kat.
DeleteA lovely poem to go with those memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dori. It was a fun surprise to have the connection.
DeleteWhat a great connection to make across the miles! My annual poetry postcard is special to me, as well.
ReplyDeleteThey are, aren't they. Thanks, Michelle.
DeleteI love these poems on a postcard Jone's kids send out. I have to share mine next week! It's especially fun when we can make these connections.
ReplyDeleteAw, Linda--I love your story and Braden's poem. I grew up in Florida, where turtles were the least of the scary things in lakes:>) But snappers are pretty scary. Love Jone's yearly celebration!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna & Laura. I loved the connection of course, and I know being in Florida made me aware that people just understood those gators were out there. Guess that's what makes life interesting!
ReplyDelete