Imagine the Possibilities

Happy Poetry Friday!

I woke to the sound of birds, happy it was Friday (although most days blend into each other), but disappointed because I didn’t think I had anything to share for Poetry Friday. I wrote a few short poems during the week, but nothing was grabbing me. Then I opened Margaret Simon’s post and inspiration hit! Margaret challenged us to try out a Book Scavenger Hunt – pick some words from a book and use them in a poem. Yes, it’s that easy, and don’t miss the incredible video of Amanda Gorman demonstrating this technique that Margaret included.

I’ve been reading lots of picture books for Reading For Research month, and yesterday I discovered the beautiful, lyrical Birdsong written and illustrated by Julie Flett. The book spans the seasons, so I picked one word from each season: mucky, berries, gathering, bulbs

Is It Spring Yet?

There are secrets
in the mucky mud of winter’s retreat,
buried beneath leftover leaves
and once-wiggly worms.
While chilly winds whirl,
bulbs wake,
gather energy,
push up
up
up…
to celebrate with birds,
to rejoice with buds and berries,
to announce –
It’s spring!

Kat Apel has the Poetry Friday Roundup today, and a new book to introduce.

I love the anticipation of a snowstorm almost as much as the storm itself. Afterwards, the world offers much to think about – neighborly kindnesses, objects that take on a different appearance, animal tracks to puzzle over. I keep those who are being negatively impacted by the unusual storms spreading across the country in my hearts. Luckily, the storm in my area has been less disruptive (although it has started snowing again). It gave me time to pause and ponder, before and after, and write two haiku.

Before the Storm
the air smells of snow
waiting for the quiet white
to tickle my nose

After the Storm
scoops of snow and ice
piled on an empty swing set
winter’s ice cream treat

Ruth has today’s Poetry Round Up here. Stop by for links to more poetry and a surprise group poem of fascinating facts.