A couple of weeks ago Mary Lee Hahn wrote about the August Poetry Peeps challenge – to write in the style of Jane Yolen or Joyce Sidman’s “What the _Knows” poems. I’m always up for a challenge, and I loved the form What the ____Knows, so I decided to join in.
I’ve been obsessed with the milkweed I planted last spring ever since starting to see some monarchs in the yard. I check on the plants daily, research the things I notice, and continue to learn from nature. So it seemed right that my poem be written about the milkweed. My poem is more free form. It’s more like a list poem and doesn’t follow a particular rhyme scheme, but you will hear some rhyming words and assonance.
What the Milkweed Knows
The quiet kiss of a monarch’s egg,
The gentle creep of caterpillar feet.
The buzzing bees,
A swaying breeze,
The silky strands of parachuting seeds.
The glow of the moon
on a clear starry night,
The wonders of nature,
The cycle of life.
Elisabeth has this week’s poetry roundup at Unexpected Intersections. Stop by to enjoy more poetry fun.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I’m so glad you did this — I’ve been watching the milkweek and monarchs in my neighbor’s yard, and you captured this beautifully, perfectly.
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Thank you so much, Liz. I am humbled and honored to receive such praise from such an accomplished poet.
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I love this poem, Rose! You got it just right! Thanks so much for sharing… and caring!
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Oh, you’ve even snuck in a quiet, perfect rhyme. Lovely! Thanks for joining the fun.
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A beautiful poem about one of my favorite plants!
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Milkweed & butterflies are everywhere at the lake where I often walk. I love that opening, “the quiet kiss”.
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All that internal rhyme is really beautiful! Thank you!
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Oooh. Great summation, Rose. Of course that is what the milkweed knows best of all; the cycle of life.
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Beautiful poem Rose, I love all the senses you capture in it, and the cycle, and calm it leaves us with, thanks!
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Yes, indeed, I heard all that, Rose. It is so beautiful. I love milkweed. I’m glad you planted them and have enjoyed the summer with them. “quiet kiss of a monarch’s egg” and “creep of caterpillar feet” and “Parachuting seeds” make me happy, as well as the sound of all that lines together. Just gorgeous!
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oh gosh Rose this is gorgeous! Beautiful and lyrical. I also love “The gentle creep of caterpillar feet.” and those last four lines – it was like reading a gentle bedtime story, lulling and peaceful. Thanks for sharing this!
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Ah, Rose, what a lovely poem. It really brings me right up to your milkweed and and the caterpillars who will emerge from those gorgeous green chrysalises with the golden squares! I love your subtle but effective rhymes and every line.
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I agree that even though it looks quite different on the page, you have a lovely lilting rhythm for your milkweed lullaby, Rose!
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Now I know more about the milkweed thanks to your poem, Rose! Now even I have ‘butterflies’! 😉
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I love this so much!! I am obsessed with my milkweed and monarchs, too. Your poem is spot-on.
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What a beautiful poem. I especially love the first two lines!
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Thank you!
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