Imagine the Possibilities

HOP TO IT: Poems to Get You Moving by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell is a gem of a book! And I feel so honored to be included and in the company of such wonderfully talented poets. I’ve had so much fun spreading the word about this book and participating in a couple of Zoom gatherings.

After I came across the call for submissions and what Janet and Sylvia were looking for, I started thinking about the many classrooms I worked in over the years. Often when I would go in to do a whole-class lesson, the teacher would greet me then say something about helping the kids get their wiggles out first. A quick song or chant with movement would follow. So when I came up with “wiggle” and “jiggle” I put them together for my first stanza.

Can You Wiggle Like a Worm?
by Rose Cappelli

Can you wiggle, wiggle, wiggle
Like a worm, worm, worm?
Can you jiggle, jiggle, jiggle
As you squirm?

Can you paddle, paddle, paddle
Like a dog, dog, dog?
Can you hop, hop, hop
Like a frog?

Can you climb, climb, climb
Like a cat, cat, cat?
Can you flap, flap, flap
Like a bat?

Wiggle, jiggle,
Paddle, hop,
Climb, flap,
STOP!

You can order HOP TO IT at QEP Books here. Robyn Hood Black is hosting a Hop To It blog tour today along with Poetry Friday here. Thanks, Robyn, for hosting.

Last night I attended a Philadelphia Orchestra concert…virtually. It wasn’t the Kimmel Center, and the sound quality may not have been quite as grand, but it was so enjoyable. Of course it helped that they performed one of my favorite symphonies, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.4 (“Italian”).  I marveled at the sound, the close ups of the musicians, the care and concern for everyone’s safety. And I was inspired to write.

The Orchestra
by Rose Cappelli

In an empty hall,
melodies
rise above masks,
bend around barriers.

Musicians follow
with precision,
with passion.

Prompting joy,
Prompting love,
Prompting peace.

Thanks to Linda Baie at Teacher Dance for hosting this week’s Poetry Friday. Be sure to stop by for some Halloween fun!