By My Self-Love with Jessica Wiley
Welcome to Day 28 of Verselove. We are so happy you are here, however you choose to be present. If you know what to do, carry on; if you are not sure, begin by reading the inspiration and mentor poem, then scroll to the comment section to post your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets in celebration of words, phrases, ideas, and craft that speak to you. Click here for more information on the Verselove. Share a highlight from your experiences thus far here.
Jessica lives in Conway, Arkansas, and is an Alternative Learning Environment Teacher/Special Education Teacher in Morrilton, Arkansas at Southern Christian Children’s Home. One of the many passions in her life is advocacy for appropriate, educational, and functional services and programs for children with special needs. She is an avid reader and a lover and a writer of poetry. She is married with two children, a daughter and a son who is hard of hearing.
Inspiration
My love for poetry exploded during my awkward teenage years as I tried to express my love to some knuckle-headed boys. Today’s poem was inspired by my 10-year-old strong-willed, sassy, and brilliant daughter. She wrote this poem, which I have permission to share, during her student-led Parent/Teacher conference. They were studying poetry and this mentor text was used, By Myself, (found here http://www.eggplant.org/pdf/poetry/by_myself_greenfield.pdf) by Eloise Greenfield. As her words floated from the paper I was shook! She showed her flaws, her vulnerability, and her self-love.
By Myself
By Katalyn
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a flame
I’m rain
I’m ice
I’m nice
I’m an explosion
I’m a motion
I’m trouble
I’m a bubble
I’m a whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Process
Before writing, brainstorm a list of things that come to your mind. Who are you? What are you made of? Who or what do you most resemble or relate to? Think of emotions, inanimate objects, colors, sounds of nature that define you. Make a list and play on these words. Using the template below and possibly a mirror, reflect deeply, speaking on behalf of your inner-self. Make yourself come alive, resurrect yourself like never before.
Follow this 15 line template:
- The first two lines are:
- “When I’m by myself
- And I close my eyes”
- The next eight lines
- Rhyme
- begin with” I’m”.
- The last five lines are:
“I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me”
Jessica’s Poem
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m fire
I’m barbed wire
I’m lust
I’m stuffed crust
I’m a breeze
I’m hard to please
I’m a delicate rose
I’m difficult to compose
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Your Turn
Now, scroll to the comment section below to write your own poem. (This is a public space, so you may use only your first name or initials depending on your privacy preferences.) Not ready? That’s okay. Read the poems already posted for more inspiration. Ponder your own throughout the day. Return later. And, if the prompt does not work for you, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Just write something. Oh, and a note about drafting: Since we are writing in short bursts, we all understand (and even welcome) the typos and partial poems that remind us we are human and that writing is always becoming.
Also, in the spirit of reciprocity, please respond to at least three other poets today.
Jessica—your daughter’s inspiration and yours are both wonderful, and a perfect start to our writing adventure this week! I especially liked the barbed wire line—i believe i have a good bit of that in me!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes…
I’m eighteen years, flying away
I’m thirty years, deep in the fray
I’m forty years, tired, mothering
I’m forty-five years, struggling
I’m fifty years, still striving
I’m sixty years, finally thriving
I’m sixty-eight years, sadly retiring
I’m today-years, gloriously re-firing.
All those women reside in me;
all those years have set me free.
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
GJSands
6-18-22
Your daughter’s poem is spectacular, Jessica! This prompt and structure was fun; like many others I messed with it some.
I am who I am
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m flaunting my floppy purple hat,
finding a kindred soul with whom to chat
I’m digging, on my knees
surrounded by lushness and bees
I’m connecting imagination on stage
with life’s realities we all wage
I’m studiously scouring the internet
where next to explore on our planet?
I’ve learned, to me
what is important to be,
and as I gaze
into the mirror,
I am who I am.
Thank you, Jessica. Over the years teaching early childhood, I have always relied on Eloise Greenfield! Glad to play with her poetry form today.
When I’m by Myself
When I’m by myself
I hear sweet music
I close my eyes,
My body begins to move
I am swaying, twirling
Jumping and swirling
I am flying through space
This is my special place
I’m a bird flying high,
I’m a cloud in the sky,
I’m a boat on the sea,
I’m a door with a key.
I can transform
Into anything
Just imagine
What I can be!
Hello Joanne,
This is so much fun, I can almost hear children reciting it! I love the flow, the rhythm and the beautiful images!
I love the buoyancy and joy in your poem, Joanne!
Hi Jessica, thank you for this wonderful prompt. Giving us all the opportunity to reflect on who we are.
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m an eagle
I’m the person who fights for my girls
I’m as strong as a lion but
I’m also compassionate
I’m respectful
I’m happy
I’m a woman of color
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me….
I love this prompt, Jessica. And I appreciate how you provided a clear template for the poem.
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a clumsy lil bat
I’m the cat in the hat
I’m Alice’s Mad Hatter
I’m mind over matter
I’m a damsel in distress
I’m a bit of a (mental) mess
I’m high maintenance and boujee
I’m funky and I’m groovy
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Absolutely! I read this like an anthem of ‘I am who I am so deal with me!’ Get in line, high-maintenance gals, cuz here we are! I am also mighty impressed with the literary references. Each of those characters has its own unique symbolism and qualities that can express those of your own. Nicely done, Saba!
Hi Saba I just love the use of the adjectives you used to describe yourself. You highlighted your flaws and your strengths. Thanks for sharing
Saba!! I am in love with this! Such a fun way to approach the prompt!
❤️❤️❤️
Alice’s Mad hatter—Love this—and all the other references to children’s books!!
Thank you, Jessica, for today’s prompt. It’s a great self-reflecting and meditative exercise to end the day.
***
When I’m by myself
And close my eyes,
I’m spring and summer
I’m a heart drummer
I’m a fast river
I’m a generous giver
I’m weak and strong
I’m a morning song
I’m a little girl
I’m a delicate pearl
I’m whatever I want to be,
And anything I care to be,
And when I open my eyes,
What I care to be
Is me.
What a nice rhythm this has, Leilya, as it transverses so many unique qualities and characteristics. I love the wrapping of nature with the ‘soul’ as you go back and forth between spring/summer – heart drummer – fast river. Reminds me of the ‘goddess within’ who is that daughter of earth at her core. And the recognition of the delicate side of the self – the little girl – delicate pearl. Yes, but ironically, the speaker needs to be in a strong place to make room for this delicate child as well, and protect her. Beautifully rendered here.
Thank you, Denise! You are always so generously kind with your comments. I noticed that you always respond to the latest previous day posts. ?
Hi Leilya, thank you for sharing. I like the line where you viewed yourself as spring and summer and the metaphor of being a delicate pearl.
Hi, Dee! Thank you ?
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes,
I’m a woman on fire
I’m resiliently wired
I’m a cloud on a breeze
I’m a dolphin in seas
I’m soil and earth
I’m a warrior of worth
I’m a writer of words
I’m flying amongst birds
I’m anything I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Your terrific alliteration pulled me in, Rhiannon. A warrior of worth is my new aspiration.
Hi Rhiannon thank you for sharing. I like the strong descriptive words you choose to represent you. soil of the earth…warrior…love it
Warrior of worth is my favorite line!! New goals!!
Jessica- Thanks for introducing this form and sharing your daughter’s beautiful poem!
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes…
I’m new school cool mixed with old school boom bap
I’m the welcome shade under a bucket hat
I’m a lot more than meets the eye
I’m “okay, let’s give it a try”
I’m “Mister, why you look so mean?”
I’m at the movies, crying at the sappy scene
I’m the calm at the center of the hurricane’s eye
I’m still for the moment but ready to fly
I’m whatever is needed
–So many facets to me.
And when I open my eyes
I know that I hold
the key.
“I’m “Mister, why you look so mean?”
I’m at the movies, crying at the sappy scene” – if this ain’t exactly me these days! And I love the slight change in “I’m whatever is needed” yes so true and (you) hold the key. I love how your poem expresses different things you can be at any given moment.
Dave, I love the juxtaposition you present of the mean lookin’ mister weeping in a theater. Beautiful.
Dave, your line “I’m a lot more than meets the eye” can be universal. Thank you for reminding us about that.
You’re welcome Dave, but, thank you for sharing today. So many facets, but the mean look you share, and the question you’re asked…I can totally relate. I used to have that look, but that was just my resting face, lol! I’m really nice in person, especially now that I’m older.
Cute prompt, Jessica. Yes I’d love to do this with students!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m soft inside
Despite my pride
I’m everyone I know
Or knew long ago
I’m an easy going breeze
But hard to please
I’m that and this
Part anguish part bliss
I’m whatever I want to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is all of me.
Angie,
I deeply appreciate the paradox of the self you present here ..so many parts that hold the other in balance. This was lovely.
Thank you Angie and please do. I would love to see what they create! Thank you for sharing today! These are intriguing lines: “I’m soft inside
Despite my pride
I’m everyone I know
Or knew long ago”. I can tell that there’s so much more to you. Thank you so much for sharing today!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes …
I’m moon and sun
Energized and having fun
I’m sand and sea
Come, flow with me
I’m summer morning sunrise
Rainbows and blue skies
I’m as vast as the ocean’s blue
Hi beautiful, I love you!
I’m a whatever I want to be!
An anything I care to be!
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
© Stacey L. Joy, 4/28/22
How were you able to make a poem about yourself so inviting, Stacey? I feel like I’m right there with you!
100% accurate description from what we see of you hear and in other public places. You share such joy in your writing, your comments, and your photos of flowers.
I’m ready to come flow with you on a walk along the beach!
“I’m sand and sea / come flow with me” is lovely and I love all the blue! ?
You nailed your name Stacey Joy! You can’t have Stacey without it! I need to stick to you because I need your passion! “Come, flow with me”…yes ma’am! Thank you so much for this! And if you didn’t see it, you do have permission to share my daughter’s poem. Thank you for thinking of us!
I Am
By Mo Daley 4-28-22
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m still
I’m super chill
I’m content alone
I’m thinking about my tone
I’m aware I appear to be strong
I’m not sure I can keep it up for long
I’m hoping to become my best me
I’m longing to sit under my own vine and fig tree
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Mo,
I think you might be right–we’re long lost sisters! This could quite easily be about me. I really like the cascading form and my favorite lines are these:
Ah, Mo. Your poem sounds like an invitation for others to join you sitting still and super chill. We wouldn’t have to talk, just rest together so we can be strong whatever the weather!
Thanks for taking us along.
“I’m thinking about my tone” resonates with me so much – it’s a constant and necessary thing for me.
Oh Mo! You came and conquered. These first few lines resonated with me, because this is me also: “I’m still
I’m super chill
I’m content alone”. Thank you for your vulnerability as well. It shows how strong you really are and also how great you are at being…You.
The facade we put out; the reality beneath. Love this!
Jessica–this was hard! I love, love, love your daughter’s poem–I can feel the energy (explosion, motion, trouble, bubble). Here’s mine:
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m breathing in the quiet
looking for the perfect pic
walking miles and miles
thinking all the while
playing with words
trying to make myself heard
hitting my pace
making peace with this place
I’m here and now
still learning how
to be
and when I open my eyes
what I care to see
is me
@kd0602
Kim,
You rocked it! You didn’t make it look hard at all. I love it!
Playing with words trying to make myself heard is perfect to me. I do this all the time!
I love your slight change in the end. Works so well. And definitely “still learning how / to be.” That’s definitely the truth for me too.
Kim, it looks like you knocked it out of the park. And thank you for your kind words! I know “truth” poems or writings that show vulnerability can be a little difficult. But I love your descriptions of yourself and the rhythm. I sense a little anguish here, but I love the lines: “playing with words
trying to make myself heard”. Thank you for sharing today!
Kim – This is beautifully executed! Each couplet feels like I’m riding on your thought process with you… a calm and soft undulating of images… eyes closed images forming on a journey through just the right words with a comfortable stride, and finally the aahhh of you. Lovely! Susie
Jessica — thank you for this poem (and Katalyn’s!). I loved the examples from each of your poems that included natural images like “fire” “breeze” “rose” “rain” “flame” and “ice”.
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m a cool summer’s breeze
I’m that first bite of good cheese
I’m as sturdy as a tree
I’m (sometimes) a bit fussy
I’m a sip of fresh lemonade
I am proudly Iowa-made
I’m (gracefully) balancing on a tightrope
I’m a flickering flame of hope
I am whatever I want to be
and anything I care to be
and when I open my eyes
what I care to be
is me.
Rachelle,
This is so you! An “Iowa-made” “flickering flame of hope” is you to a T. You nailed this!
you had me at that first bite of good cheese, Rachelle!
These are beautiful images you present, Rachelle! I especially love the image of you as a flickering flame of hope (and of course, that perfect first bite of good cheese)
Thank you, Rachelle. You sound like a pleasant jewel. The “first bite of good cheese” and the “sip of fresh lemonade”… so wholesome. I love how you used parentheses to create a break in the line. It’s like you’re inserting actuality here, saying that this is the total truth. Thank you for sharing today!
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m friends with silence
I’m acquainted with confidence
I’m sourdough bread
I’m needle and thread
I’m walking fast
I’m not in the past
I’m purple hues
I’m crossword clues
I’m whatever I want to be
and anything I care to be
and when I open my eyes
What I care to be
is freely me
Cara, this was a delight because I also know you! The “purple hues” is totally you. I also love your first description “I’m friends with silence” because it literally sounds nice and I can relate to it. Thank you!
I’m sourdough bread, I’m needle and thread–my favorite lines!
Cara, so many images that capture you. You are a little bit of everything and I can tell by these qualities that you are an amazing person…and a little aloof. “I’m friends with silence
I’m acquainted with confidence”. Distant, but just close enough for us to figure you out. I love this because this is me! Thank you for sharing today!
Jessica, this was a fun prompt that would be a great icebreaker with students. Thanks for sharing your and your daughter’s writing! 🙂
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m an orange hue–
I’m opposite blue.
I’m bubbling out of the crust
I’m no stranger to trust.
I’m a flaky almond croissant;
I’m a springtime dilettante.
I’m a bouncy, mellow Wilco song.
I’m a squeaky, itchy tagalong.
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Laura, this line was especially delicious for me “I’m a flaky almond croissant;” I get frozen almond croissants from Trader Joe’s and treat myself occasionally on a weekend morning. Ahh. Wonderful imagery throughout!
Laura,
My favorite line is “I’m bubbling out of the crust”–it just feels like you’re overflowing with you!
Laura, I didn’t think about using it as an icebreaker. What a great idea! And I love the imagery in your poem. These lines remind me of a college sports team and a pizza place! “I’m an orange hue–
I’m opposite blue.
I’m bubbling out of the crust
I’m no stranger to trust.”
Bubbling out of the crust because you’re overflowing with goodness! I love the rhyming, too! Thank you so much for sharing!
When i’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m caring
I’m daring
I’m tired
I’m inspired
I’m loving
I’m becoming
I’m giving
I’m living
I’m whatever I want to be
An Anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Macy,
So lovely how the repetition/anaphora works in this poem form. And you create music with your tired and inspired, your becoming and giving and loving. Such language in being and in progress that it is hopeful.
Sarah
Macy, your chosen rhyming words tell a story in between–caring, daring, tired. I definitely feel these words this week.
Macy– I love the tug and pull of the lines “I’m tired/ I’m inspired” Nicely done!
Yes, Macy! Your repetition of “ing” words with a mixup of “ed” definitely creates a snappy rhythm. These are such great qualities to have! I feel you on the tired though. Thank you so much for sharing today!
[Note: While I enjoyed the idea of the prompt, (thank you, Jessica) I found myself utterly lost in the woods. So, my apologies…I’ve found myself rooted in black dirt on a sunny afternoon. Susie]
TAKING ROOT
Loose bark curls and crusts
at the edges of who I am
and gnarls into a hickory burl
when someone asks me
to write just like this;
my leaves wither,
buds twist,
fissures crease,
limbs desiccate,
weak with the weight of standing upright.
It’s only a framework, a scaffold,
but I find myself
on the arborist’s gurney,
a victim of too long in the drought
and am left with no words to say
that don’t sound like someone else
is gargling oysters,
sputtering incoherence,
coughing up
a version of my life,
my voice,
knotting my words.
Only with gentle rains
and a swig of sun
can I elbow my way through the fog
to push words into nutty fruits
and hear myself giggling
in the woods.
by Susie Morice, April 28, 2022©
Susie,
Have I told you how much I adore you? Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud and for reading my mind. The images of decay and rot are downright Shakespearean, you amazing bard. A couple days ago I saw a former student who thanked me for telling him and his classmates they didn’t have to make every essay five paragraphs. Your poem reminds me how important that writing our own way is.
I adore you both!
Susie,
First, I just love the imagery here:
but I find myself
on the arborist’s gurney,
a victim of too long in the drought
And then the the word “Only” turns me toward “the” way that words come. That they need this “push” into, but that they need no audience other than the speaker for a giggle is everything.
Peace,
Sarah
Susie, your images are so yummy from top to bottom! I especially love the image of those final six lines, especially “a swig of sun,” “push words into nutty fruits,” and I can hear you giggling in the woods. Thanks for sharing this mischievousness!
Wow, Susie, your poem is so rich with imagery. I love all the tree metaphors; especially “knotting my words” and “push words into nutty fruits”. Your crafty response to today’s prompt shines through to show your originality and a little bit about you…”gargling oysters”…hmmm….not sure about that one. I do like oyster stew but I’ve never been brave enough to try them in the half shell. Love, too, your end. I can just hear you giggling in the woods. Artistry at its best. Brilliant poem!
Susie, you are a bit of a rebel as well. Just like me “someone asks me
to write just like this; my leaves wither.” I don’t want to sound like someone else gargling.
Your poem is so descriptive and shows you are in touch with yourself.
Susie, it’s ok to get lost. Keep producing these beauties and you will surely find your way out of the woods! This is just so beautiful! You have created images that I could never imagine. I just want to snip these lines because they are…I don’t have a word for it, but I’m amazed!
“sputtering incoherence,
coughing up
a version of my life,
my voice,
knotting my words. “
Thank you for meandering off the beaten path today!
Been there, done that!! So many lines here I love, but gargling oysters may be my favorite. Now I need to find a way to work this into polite conversation…. Hmmm. 🙂
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m sighful
I’m fearful
I’m stronger
I’m wiser
I’m capable
I’m adaptable
I’m relaxed
I’m convinced…
that whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
my I eyes will open and who I care to be
will be a version of myself
aiming who I ought to be
Adapted from “By Myself” by Eloise Greenfield
Carolina,
your adjustments to the end are just perfect.
Yes, Carolina, your last two lines are ones that I had to read over and over to fully grasp the weight. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing Carolina. Your “fuls” and “ables” (sighful, fearful, capable, adaptable) show so much possibility! I love your twist at the end: “I’m convinced…
that whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
my I eyes will open and who I care to be
will be a version of myself
aiming who I ought to be” .
It speaks truth and revelation!
Jessica, what a fun template to use with students. Thank you for hosting today. I really enjoyed your line “I’m difficult to compose”.
BE, That’s Me
when I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m a blue country sky
I’m a bee buzzing high
I’m a honky-tonk tune
I’m a crazy sly loon
I’m a two-step boogie
I’m a jiggling booty
I’m an unsolved mystery
I’m a priceless history
I’m whatever I want to be
an anything I want to be
and when I open my eyes
what I care to be
is me,
BE
Barb Edler
28 April 2022
Love it !!!
Barb,
I love the humor in “honky to k tune” and in crazy sly loon,” and in “juggling booty.” “Priceless history” is my favorite; it speaks to the importance of each person’s story. Way to own being unique.
Barb — I enjoy thinking of you and “a honky-tonk tune” and doing a “two-step boogie”… that “booty” just agoin’. Fun! You are, indeed “a priceless history.” Hugs, Susie
Thank you so much, Barb. I can tell that you are a fun and interesting person to be around. I did laugh about the “jiggling booty”…I know, so elementary. But it was very unexpected. It broke up the nature descriptions and dancing in the saloon. This is beautiful!
Hi Jessica! You and your daughter are remarkable poets! Love, love this and will use it wil my students for sure…
I See
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m wide
I’m inside
I’m folded
I’m tied
I’m a puzzle
I’m hard to muzzle
I’m a quiet delight
I’m a statue, surrendering.
I’m whatever I find
And however I care
And when I close my eyes
The human I see
Is me.
–Dixie
Dixie, I enjoyed all the description you have for yourself and how they connect with a puzzle, followed by “I’m hard to muzzle” followed by “quiet delight”. Excellent job of showing opposites. Loved “The human I see/Is me.” Sweet!
Hi Dixie:
I enjoyed reading your poem and your very descriptive words about yourself! Love it!
Yes Dixie, I am definitely adding it to my growing list of activities for next year. Your rhythm and rhyme take me on a ride.
These are my favorite lines:
“I’m a puzzle
I’m hard to muzzle
I’m a quiet delight
I’m a statue, surrendering.”
It’s like you are a complicated individual, yet others enjoy trying to piece you together. And the contrast to being hard to muzzle, yet being a quiet delight. I can see that. I was a quiet child and didn’t start to really speak up until I got older. I realized how many opportunities I missed out on by not being vocal early enough. I had a lot of wisdom to share. And thank you for sharing today!
Jessica, I like to structure and focus of today’s poem prompt, except for the fact that it sent back on a re-encounter with my mean self as a teen. 🙁 Oh well. It’s only a poem. 🙂
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
Teens are mean
I want to be seen
They’re green
I want to be in
When you’re in, you win
I just want to stay
They say get away
I’m not what they say
I’m whatever I want to be
Anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Anna, it is hard for me to imagine you as a mean teen. I love the paradox in your second to last stanza and the photo is a wonderful addition.
I love how you combined both prompts, Anna! The line that stood out to me is “I’m not what they say.” It is such a relatable line for most of us (mainly in our teenage years). Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I enjoyed reading your poem, and I also enjoyed how you added a picture!
Sorry to have made you encounter your past, but I know you are definitely not like that now. Thank God for growth, right? I was “mean”, but I think it was just a mask because as these lines state: “I want to be in
When you’re in, you win”. I was definitely not a winner, more like a weiner, lol! I truly appreciate you for sharing today.
When I am by myself
and I close my eyes,
I’m a typewriter on
auto-pilot
clanking away,
carriage return lever
smoldering as
frenzied thoughts
exhaust the ribbon.
I’m a text-message
thread with voices
from history’s bullies
in blue, admin asks
in apricot, students’
criticisms in crimson–
bursts of bubbles
poisoning passion.
I’m a gas tank
pierced by a forgotten
nail in the trunk of a car
seeping carpets with
precious power yet
so much lighter that
I can rest until
the next gas station.
I’m empty.
Sarah,
The imagery in this is brilliant! I especially love the 2nd stanza and the idea of the text message thread–the immediacy and the urgency that these messages convey and the way they call to us.
Agreeing with Wooley (below) and loving these lines,
Sarah, the emotions in your poem are vivid. From the frenetic pace of the typewriter, to the students’ criticism, to the pierced gas tank, all create a visceral appeal I was particularly drawn to “crimson-bursts of bubbles/poisoning passion”. Teaching and writing both are personal and emotionally draining. Powerful poem, and I hope you get to have a much deserved respite soon.
Sarah — We’ll, “empty” you are not! LOL! Though that “pierced gas tank”… oh dear! My favorite is the sound of that typewriter…that writerly you “exhaust[ing] the ribbon” (great line!). The cadence of typewriter keys…that’s great sensory stuff right there, giving the poem a sense of something-to-say and moving forward…maybe a sense of duty. I love where your creative mind took you in this poem today. 🙂 Susie
Sarah,
The descriptive words you incorporated in your poem made it come to life!
Wow Sarah, so many images here. But the typewriter scene resonated with me the most. I remember playing with one as a child. I still make many mistakes on a computer, so the image of the “frenzied thoughts
exhaust the ribbon.” sparked my interest. I love the alliteration…”criticisms in crimson” “poisoning passion” and “precious power”. The power of poetry!! And just a general thank you overall for all that you do! I am so glad to have been introduced to your Internet circle!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a lot
I’m nonstop
I’m a water drop
I’m stone cold
I’m bold
I’m gold
I’m free
I’m like a bee
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Katie,
I love, love the rhythm here. You give me such a jolt of energy and joy that I so needed today. Love thinking of writers like “a bee” and how poetry allows us to be “whatever I want to be…anything I care to be.” Such agency here.
Peace,
Sarah
Katie,
I love the playfulness of the lines. I really like the first descriptor “I’m a lot”! It’s the perfect setup for where you go with this. Big fan of “I’m stone cold” too!
Katie, the lines
I’m bold
I’m gold
Reflects a confident person who knows her self-worth. This will take you far. That’s probably why you’re free like a bee. Others’ opinions don’t hold you back!
Good for you!
Katie, I read this quickly but the vibes screamed this poetic rhythm. It’s so smooth. I love your rhymes and the contrasting subjects you chose. These are my favorite lines: “I’m a lot
I’m nonstop”. That can mean so much! It’s very captivating! Thank you for sharing today!
What a great prompt! Thank you!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a shooting star
I’m near as well as far
I’m a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
I’m still finding my niche
I’m happy and sad
I’m good and bad
I’m everything and
I’m also nothing
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I came to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Gail your poem reminds me of the Taoist religion with its competing rhymes. I appreciate the simplicity of the peanut butter sandwich and the intensity of I’m everything and I’m also nothing.
Gail,
The dichotomies here (right word?) or rather the contrast speak such truth in the spectrum of being. The last line is especially brilliant and empowering, which I want to hold onto today, “What I care to be/Is me.” And, I guess, I am struggling to know her these days. Thank you.
Peace,
Sarah
Gail, your simple emotions (happy and sad) and broad things (everything and nothing) are what draw me into your world. It’s like I need to know more, but you don’t give me the satisfaction. Great method! I also laughed about the reference to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t care how well off you are, there’s nothing wrong with a good ol’ PB& J (unless you have a peanut allergy). Thank you so much for sharing this, this was great!
Jessica, thank you for this sweet brief prompt, on this busy Thursday! I’m impressed that this mentor text was used for student-led conferences…I know the students and families must have loved these poems. Your daughter’s poem is so creative and inspiring – love her lines
These are such a delightful contrast!!
When I’m by Myself
When I’m by myself
and my eyes are closed
I’m searching for stars
I’m moving past scars
I’m big mistakes and imperfections
I’m open to new perspectives
I’m kind and feisty
I’m soft and mighty
I’m chatting with my inner child
I’m walking in earthy woods wild
I’ve learned to be
a good friend to me
and thus becoming
all I care to be
with my eyes
open wide
Maureen,
Its good to be feisty and to move past scars. I love the ideas in
“I’m chatting with my inner child
I’m walking in earthy woods wild.”
Many days I don’t feel the way I thought I would at my age. In fact, I’m more likely to run through the woods now than I was during my teen years. But it’s the end I love most and think most important:
“I’ve learned to be
a good friend to me
and thus becoming
all I care to be”
The word “care” is unexpected since “can be” is the common phrase. I like thinking about the nuances.
Maureen,
Oh, boy, I love this line “I am big mistakes and imperfections.” This is what I needed to hear today. How did you know? (Oops, I am making this about myself.) Love learning about you, seeing your perspective of being. When you wrote, “I’ve learned to be/a good friend to me/and thus becoming” offers a lovely image of progress and yet presence.
Thank you,
Sarah
Maureen, what an excellent poem for today’s prompt. I loved “I’m searching for stars/I’m moving past scars.” Your end is lit! “with my eyes/open wide”….this adds such a powerful punch.
Maureen — I love what you’ve done with this poem…LOVELOVELOVE the “eyes/open wide.” I like that “inner child” chat and that you see yourself in the “earthy woods wild”…I wandered that way myself today. I like the idea that a poem could take us “wild[ly]” to a similar place. Poetry is such a gift, isn’t it!? Hugs, Susie
Thank you Maureen! She wasn’t led to share them with me though; I had to read them myself. She’s like me, not very fond of sharing feelings. But anyway….Wow, such beautiful lines! There are so many lines I can share, but these are a stark contrast within the same lines that I love: “I’m kind and feisty
I’m soft and mighty” We are each our individual person with unique characteristics! Thanks again for sharing.
Love the idea of being stuffed crust– makes me both happy as well as think!
It was definitely fun to play around with. Thank you so much!
Thanks, Jessica and Katalyn for this prompt today and for your poems! Katalyn, I loved your imagery and rhyme. Here is my poem for today, inspired by the beautiful sunny (if cold!) day that we’re currently having:
“Piece”
When I’m by
myself
And I close my
eyes:
I should be island, but I’m not
Instead, I’m weathered, tempered rock
I’m oak that’s overrun with squirrels
Streams that flow and waves that curl
I’m wind that blows, cold, down our road
I’m orb of sun, both young and old
I’m happy just to be a part
Of green and blue, a work of art
I’m whatever I want to (be)
An anything I care to (be)
And when I open eyes of blue
I see me: a part of you.
Love your poetic play herein! That last line is so precious – “I see me: a part of you.” I also hear you making peace with the cold weather through wonderful imaginings. Just lovely!
This poem is so beautiful and I love the last line. Thanks.
Wendy,
All of your figurative language just pops! The images come to life. And the way you adjust that last stanza is so powerful.
Oh Wendy, thank you for sharing your variation of this! I love it! Your description of nature’s beauty through weather bashing. It reminds me that we have to be shaped and formed in order to smooth out the rough edges. These lines: “I’m happy just to be a part
Of green and blue, a work of art” give me a sense of belonging. Just doing your part to be a part, however you fit in that earthly puzzle. This is lovely!
Thanks for this prompt today. I’m using it with my students today. We are finding it harder than it first seems.
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a soul-seeker
Lately, I’m feeling weaker.
I’m an empty cup
I can’t seem to wake up
I wander in silence
I could use some guidance
I’m a sapling of a tree
Not sure who I’m meant to be
When I open my eyes
What I care to be
is me.
(After Eloise Greenfield)
I agree with you, Margaret – the prompt is harder than it appears! These two lines are the very definition of grief, I think –
I walked through my days in this strange overwhelming fog after the loss of my parents. Thinking of you!
Margaret, I completely agree! I thought I could breeze through this poem but instead I am stuck halfway through. I love that you worked through this with your students.
Margaret,
Boy I feel this!
Definitely feeling “weaker” as the year grinds on. June is just around the corner, right? Beautiful and apt expressions of (some of) our current states.
Hi, Margaret,
I wrote before reading today, and it seems the word “empty” has come up in both our poems today. I do find that phrase “a sapling of a tree” to offer some hope in the possibility of renewal or becoming anew. I love this “what I care to be/is me” but am floundering a bit about allow that being to exist without defining it. When I try to name her, I struggle with living up to it.
I do love that you are a “soul-seeker.” I feel that in your poetry, my friend.
Peace,
Sarah
I especially like the sapling of a tree because it shows a new start, a willingness to bend and the starting of a new you.
It’s a definite challenge, Margaret. For me, it was identifying and accepting my flaws…YIKES! But these lines truly captivate the moment of struggle: “I wander in silence
I could use some guidance”, but also knowing that we are not alone in this journey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today.
Jessica,
This is such a cool prompt. It provides a structure yet allows freedom. And, I love how it encourages writers to look at the positives in themselves. I broke away from the framework a little . . .
Taking off the Mask
When I’m by myself,
and I close my eyes,
I try to recharge,
take off the disguise.
I slowly peel back
the layers of weight
taking deep breaths,
cleaning the slate.
I open my heart
to all I should feel
a warm soothing salve
looking to heal.
The days can get long
often wearing the mask
always being for others
is sometimes a task.
I drift quickly to sleep
feeling safe and content
into the vapor
my worries went.
When I awake,
I can again be
exactly what I want to be,
exactly what I care to be. . .
Me.
~Susan Ahlbrand
28 April 2022
Susan,
Amen to this line:
“always being for others
is sometimes a task.”
Maintenance that the profound truth. We should all look at ourselves and embrace the me we be.
Damn auto correct: Ain’t that the truth… Don’t know how my intentional bad grammar went sideways. ?♀️
Susan, I like the rhyming structure here, every second line…it made me feel as if I, too, was catching my breath, resting, recharging… I also commend the conviction of that last stanza –
Susan,
Love this piece about the weight of the day:
“The days can get long
often wearing the mask
always being for others
is sometimes a task.”
Truth!
…and about the healing power of sleep. Boy, I love sleep:
“I drift quickly to sleep
feeling safe and content
into the vapor
my worries went.
When I awake,
I can again be
exactly what I want to be,”
Agree 100%! Loved your warm and peaceful language.
“I slowly peel back the layers of weight.” These days have been hard, masking every day. My students have just started going without masks, and they feel exposed somehow.
Susan,
I so appreciate how Jessica’s prompt today is offering a space for us to “unmask” in different ways. I love thinking about the “into the vapor” and how this is where the “worries went”. The renewal or reset this offers to “can again” is so empowering.
Peace,
Sarah
Susan, taking off the disguise strikes me, along with peeling back the weight. I feel this. And the breaths that follow. So needed right now!
Wow, Susan, by all means, do whatever inspires you. This is deep but so full of truth! If only some of us would take off the mask more so we can truly be who we are. These lines: “I slowly peel back
the layers of weight
taking deep breaths,
cleaning the slate.” We put on so much “makeup” to hide the scars which truly weighs us down even more. When the mask finally comes off, it’s like new beginnings. And after that rest, it’s a new opportunity to begin again. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you for this prompt, Jessica. I am feeling a bit different today and that is why a twisted the start and ending to suit me. I should have added a line about being rebellious.
When I am alone
with eyes wide open
I’m a body stuck above moving feet
I’m grabbing everything to eat
I’m running down the street
I’m a child riding a bike
I’m meeting friends for a hike
I’m in swirling colors while sitting on a stool
I’m feeling emotion but breaking no rule
I’m a marcher for everything right
I’m trying to love with all of my might
Always what I want to be
Is anything I dare to be
And when I close my eyes
I’m happy to see
what’s inside
is me.
I’m happy to see what inside you too, Susan. I particularly like swirling colors while sitting on a stool/feeing emotion but breaking no rule. And I like the next lines too…plenty to march for these days!
Susan, I love the way you reframed the ending. I’m thinking about “I’m a body stuck above moving feet” and out of body experiences while sleeping. Hope that makes sense. It’s a fantastic image of dreams and possibilities and visions.
“Always what I want to be Is Anything I dare to be”– Spoken like a free spirit. Very talented!
Excellent ending!!
I truly enjoy this twist on the mentor poem! The varied rhyming structure, the strong confident ending –
Your rebellious spirit shines!
Susan, I loved how you gave the beginning a little twist. Loved how you separated body and spirit in your second stanza. Appreciated your trip back into gentler times, then how it moves back into the seeming present, where you “march…for everything right.” This poem was an engaging journey!
I love how you changed the ending. “I’m happy to see what’s inside is me.” That is what I strive for.
Susan — I especially love that “marcher” who “loves”… perfect combination. There’s depth in the sense of cause and the heart to carry it out. Yea! Susie
Susan, it’s ok to be rebellious for the right reasons! I love your poem. “Eyes wide open” we can see it all. The potential, the flaws, the obvious. This is all so great! My favorite lines: “I’m in swirling colors while sitting on a stool
I’m feeling emotion but breaking no rule”. I think the visualization captivates me! Thank you for sharing today!
Thanks to both of you for sharing, Katalyn and Jessica! This is definitely going into the student practice rotation for next year! Fun, insightful, and grounding for folks of all ages coming into new identities as they enter college. As I’m finishing the last stack of final essays, I’m a bit preoccupied with being DONE!
When I close my eyes
I can see Summer Me
I’m slow sunrise mornings
I’m yoga, art, and writing
I’m bike rides
I’m un-Zoom-tied
I’m porch beers
I’m “Hello Neighobor” cheers
I’m healthy eating
I’m reading, reading, reading
(for FUN!)
I’m unencumbered
I’m deeply slumbered
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Summer Me.
How perfect, Denise!! As teachers, I think many of us find that we are able to be completely different people in the summer. Your poem really reveals that.
Denise,
I feel like this poem is about the archetypal teacher, lol — I could relate to every line! (Is June here, yet?).
Loved:
“I’m un-Zoom-tied”
and
“I’m healthy eating
I’m reading, reading, reading”
(Why is it so hard to eat healthy during the school year?).
Love Summer You — and Me!
Wow, Denise! I love the twist you made by adding your “summer me.” The line “I’m “Hello Neighobor” cheers” brought a big smile to my face. I loved the repetition by the end your poem adding “summer me.” Thanks for sharing!
Aw! Here’s a salut to Summer. I can feel you are really looking forward to being free as that Summer you.
Thank you Denise for your thoughts and kind words. This poem is amazing. I can’t imagine having to grade essays when I’d rather be…” reading, reading, reading (for FUN!) DOn’t worry, summer is coming!
Summer Me. Although I’m retired, i can relate so well to that “me”. Isn’t that what we all care to be?
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I fall asleep
Seriously (I could sleep anywhere)
And I dream
I beam
I seem
And seam (knitting things together)
My heart it beats
Singing odes like Keats
as R.E.M. retreats
And my slumber completes
Upon waking, I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
___________________________________________
Thank you, Jessica for your prompt and your mentor poem (and your daughter’s poem, too)! This was a fun challenge today. I was almost able to follow “the rules”! Lol.
Yes! Power to the people who can fall asleep anywhere! 🙂 love it.
Scott, I like how you show the contrast between the dream world and your waking world. Loved “Singing odes like Keats”. It’s as though while you sleep, you are still creating verses. Excellent poem!
Scott, I had fun reading your poem! I can definitely relate to the line “I fall asleep,” because that was one of my thoughts while crafting mine. I also love the rhyme of the verse,
Singing odes like Keats
as R.E.M. retreats
And my slumber completes
Thanks for sharing!
Haha, Scott! I started writing this in the same vein as you this morning before switching it up. You’ve done this so much better than I could! Love the dream/beam/seem/seam!
Scott — You lucky dawg…”sleep anywhere”! I really smiled to think of you with Keats and R.E.M….I have something new to try! Perhaps that is the new miracle sleep med! Thank you! Susie
Thank you Scott for your words and thank you so so much for sharing this amazing piece! And it’s ok to deviate. I can tell you were a fun rule breaker! I love these lines: “I fall asleep
Seriously (I could sleep anywhere)” because as a parent, I have a serious case of lack of sleep!
Thank you for such a cool Prompt Jessica! I enjoyed your daughter’s poem as well as yours– such great talent. I also got some help from my kids on the way to school today as we discussed the prompt, as we were laughing – I said Imma use that one!
Again, thanks. All the poems are fabfantastollistic!
Am I a Yam Yes Yam
When Yam by Yam self,
And Yam close Yam eyes.
Yam orange
Yam not Snorange.
Yam brown skin sprinkled with brown sugar.
Yam filled with brown walnuts in the brown cooker.
Yam cinnamon-E sweet,
Yam squished by Butter-E feet.
Yam a perfect marshmallow nest.
Yam snuggled by ham, that’s where I rest.
Yam proud to be a Yam
because
Yam what Yam,
And that’s all that Yam.
Yam a damn good Yam,
With a slam bam
Of jam,
When asked for more?
Everybody Yells– Yes Ma’am!
Yam so gooey with my flow,
Yam a jazzed up, Funk-a-delic
POTATO!!!
-Boxer (inspired by my son G)
Go, Boxer, Go! Punch Punch Punch. Your clever playfulness and wit have been a highlight this entire month. I really appreciate it!
Boxer, I so enjoyed the sound devices in your poem and I always loved Popeye’s I Yam What I Yam. Very fun word combinations like “Funk-a-delic”.
Oh my gosh, Boxer! This is terrific! WOWZA! I was immediately yanked in with the Yam-play. So witty and fun! Every line is “yammy”… mmm-mmm! Even Popeye would love this yam-licious poem! Brilliant! Susie
Ah, this just brings out the kid in all of us! The kid we should all revisit more often. I love when my colleagues with kids share their funny “car talks” with me. I just laugh at how ingenious kids are, how perceptive, and how just honestly silly to the bone they can be. It’s such a great reminder to just lighten up sometimes, and in doing so, we may actually find an experience to treasure. Like this poem! Thanks for sharing, Boxer – and thanks to your son G as well. I hope he continues to enjoy creating poetry!
Wow Boxer, this is amazing. I’m glad your children got the share the joy of helping you create your poem. I had to read it verly slowly, lol! It’s giving me Dr. Seuss vibes. It also made me hungry. Such beautiful descriptions and rhyme! It’s Yamtastic!
I yam in love with this sweet poem!!
The star within
When I’m by myself I’m somebody else
And I close my eyes and I feel the lights
I’m strong
I’m a song
I’m a force
I’m a torch
I’m divine
I’m sublime
I’m a dream
I’m more than I seem
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Karl,
This line is worth shouting from the rooftops:
“I’m more than I seem.”
Aren’t we all? I think about this often and talk about it, too. Well done on those tweaks to the formula.
Rob, your words speak volumes. I wish I could view myself in such a way. Describing yourself is never easy but you did it with ease.
My favorite part is the setup, Rob – that goes with the title. “close my eyes and feel the lights” – the stars. The idea that closing and creating internal darkness is what allows you to ‘see the light’ – the stars within. That’s a beautiful sentiment, especially when there is so much ‘light diffusing’ going on around us. This is quite meditative. Nicely done! Calm. Peaceful. Grounded.
Rob, thank you for sharing today. The buildup is amazing and I love the rhythm. All of these characteristics and then…”I’m more than I seem” Boom! This is great!
Greetings, Jessica! What fun and right on time! If I may have permission to share your daughter’s poem, I would love to use it as my mentor text for Poem In Your Pocket Day tomorrow. Perfect inspiration coming from a 10-year old to my 10 and 11 year old scholars. I will also teach this model tomorrow. You saved the day!
Please tell your daughter I loved her work and if Mama allows me to share, it’ll be in a Los Angeles classroom tomorrow!
Love how that sounds!
??❤️
Awesome Stacey, and yes, you have my permission that would be great! And thank you. She actually inspired me because I had no clue! And I can’t wait to hear what masterpieces your students share! Thank you so much!
Hi Jessica! I don’t have your email and I wanted to share some of the poems my students wrote from your daughter’s mentor text. If you see this or perhaps if Sarah sees it and has your email, please share with me so I can send them your way. Here’s one,
Jessica, this is an excellent prompt for young poets. I love both your daughter’s poem and yours. I can see her sassiness in each line and hope she has that all her life. I wasn’t sure how to approach this prompt because I’m on the descending side of life. The title is more of a reflection of how I see myself than the poem, but I only thought of it after arriving to post and starting this note, so I slapped it on!
Palimpsest
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m a puzzle
a sentient Hubble.
I’m blowing sand
part of Earth’s expanse.
I’m Dickinson’s nobody
a unique oddity.
I’m a flickering candle
one single granule.
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
—Glenda Funk
April 28, 2022
Oh, Glenda, I just keep rereading that “sentient Hubble.” What a spectacular image, and what you can do! “Dickinson’s nobody” is awesome too.
I’m a puzzle,
a sentient Hubble
is the couplet that did it for me, too. So good!
Glenda, I love how you tweaked the prompt. It flows so well. I am stealing the phrase “sentient Hubble” if that’s ok.
I loved the imagery you used for “blowing sand” and how that came back later in the poem.
I get the feeling of temporal from this poem. The title is so perfect. The flickering candle, on single granule and the sand put so much in perspective of our lives.
Oh, you had fun with this prompt, Glenda! I am awed by so many phrases – and the title, wow! It’s hard to pick my favorite, though it might be
I know I continue to surprise and confuse myself, hahaha, so I like that puzzling while discovering so much!
Glenda, Oh, I love the “I’m Dickinson’s nobody/a unique oddity”. I actually was thinking of literary characters today, but I had no luck with the rhyme scheme. The blowing sand is so apt. Fantastic poem to today’s response.
Glenda, the juxtaposition of things expansive and small works beautifully here (one single granule being my fav). I often feel like Dickinson’s nobody too and sits so well inside a poem about being whoever you want to be.
Glenda — COOL! I have never even seen this word “palimpsest” and it is such an important word! Holy cow! My head must’ve been in the “blowing sand”! I love the Dickinson reference. That “puzzle”…well, that is a piece of you and perhaps many of us…all a bit “odd” but someone to celebrate. I celebrate all the traces of you that emerge through your poems. Hugs, Susie
Such fascinating choices and rhyme, Glenda – and title. Your verse – and you! – contain the vast and the small, individuality and universality, movement and stability. I am most captivated that this – as indicated by the title – is writing meant for more to come, always changing – an incredible metaphor for life.
You taught me something new Glenda with your poem title. So many comparisons and your language is extraordinary! My favorite lines:” I’m a flickering candle
one single granule.” There’s so much more here. Such vivid imagery here and throughout! Thank you so much for sharing!
Jessica, thank you for this fun prompt. I want to use it with students. It’s a fun form to consider all that we are! I liked your “I’m lust / I’m stuffed crust”
Me By Myself
After Eloise Greenfield and Katalyn
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m content
I’m unbent
I want more
I’m a bore
I’m full of ambition
but short an ignition
I’m focused, but hazy
I’m the wind, I’m a daisy
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Denise,
I’m full of knowing w/ these lines:
”I’m full of ambition
but short an ignition”
The mind is willing but the body is not! And you could never be a bore. You are the daisy in your beautiful desert. Keep blooming.
Denise, I loved how you were able to show so much complexity of your person in such a compact and simple way. I can completely relate to the line “I’m focused, but hazy” both in. my need for a new prescription of glasses and it being the last week of the semester.
So many awesome rhymes here, Denise! I am loving the very succinct, self-deprecating
I can seriously relate – how there is just so much, and then, oh my, what am I even doing/accomplishing! hahaha Yes I, too, am ‘focused, but hazy.’ So fun – but I know you are being too hard on yourself!
Denise, I enjoyed how you went back and forth with your thoughts. It really takes me through who you are.
Yes, Denise! I can relate to that “full of ambition/but short an ignition” – love it! Especially at the end of the week/school year. (Focused but hazy is a pretty close second in describing me as well).
You’re very welcome Denise. And as much as I described myself in my own poem, I can definitely relate to a few lines here. This has been my week: I’m full of ambition
but short an ignition
I’m focused, but hazy” So thankful that tomorrow is Friday…and a few steps closer to the end of the school year! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Katalyn and Jessica, for the early morning send-off. This is a style easy to admire under today’s blue sky.
This is dance-worthy right here. Boom. Went with a variation in today’s adaptation, but am ready to kick off my day with a smile.
Declaration
~b.r.crandall
embraced with chaos & noise
the eyes stay open.
I’m internally
joyously
brilliantly
honestly
foolishly
mindfully
victoriously
optimistically
reflecting, choosing, loving, speaking,
acting, thinking, trusting, & living
that’s how I choose to be…
…so, when I close my eyes,
I’ll always know, internally, I’ll always be me.
Bryan, what a beautiful collection of adverbs there in that middle stanza. It is a wonderful choice to make, in the midst of the chaos and noise, to be internally. Lovely poem today.
Bryan,
Fantastic interpretation of the prompt, the formula. Way to make those adverbs work! I love the way you e listed the way you are at the end of the day and how that transfers into the next day. Bravo!
Bryan, facing each day with a choice to be all of the wondrous words you mention is lifting. The shift from open (eyes and day) to closed reflects the movement between adverbs and verbs (anticipatory and action). These read like a mantra!
Mantra. I might rename. Thank you!
BC — I really love the -ing – ness of each word …they carry a vitality of just BEING. And each word you chose is so rich in bringing me to images that layer on the depth well beyond the word on the page. Cool stuff! Susie
All of these choices to be.. and what emanates from your line: joy, love, trust, energy, and contentedness. This is life well-lived, Bryan!
Wow, what a surprising twist. The adverbs and verbs create a symphony of “chaos and noise”… all pleasant. Sometimes we have to speak to ourselves in a way only we know how.
And thank you for your words and sharing today. I never know what to expect from you!
Well Jesica, I enjoyed both your daughter’s poem and yours. Both captured the same fragility (a bubble/a delicate rose as well as the alternate moods — the flame/the barbed wire). Both seem to be the tender composite of who you really are. My by-myself morning lead me to a different place, perhaps the part of me no one would ever see. Thanks for this thought-provoking prompt.
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes,
I’m brave and bold,
I’m young-years old.
I’m a daring explorer
I’m a ferocious roar-er.
I’m wide-winged and wild,
I’m an untamed child.
I’m an ocean wave,
I’m fearless (and brave).
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me.
Ann, I feel the longing in these words:
“I’m young-years old.”
Im there w/ you. Well done.
Oh, Ann, this is gorgeous. I would love to see it illustrated as a children’s book.
My favorite lines:
Ann, I loved the phrase “young-years old.” This prompt had me thinking about how as adults we rarely are asked what our ambitions are but your poem perfectly encapsulates why we should never stop asking ourselves that.
Ann, oh to be “young-years old!” I feel the adventure in every line, in the exploring and roaring and untaming. But I especially love the “wide-winged” as it wants to soar and gather in as much as possible!
Just gorgeous, Ann – the rhythms roll with such easy grace. I love “childlike ferocious roar-er” – I can hear it!
Thank you so much Ann. Your words are the perfect ingredient of…YOU. These lines: “I’m wide-winged and wild,
I’m an untamed child.” sounds so free with no cares in the world! This is so refreshing!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes…
I’m a soft chenille sweater
I’m mac and cheese with cheddar
I’m well worn tennis shoes
I’m sometimes singing the blues
I’m an old pair of jeans
I’m operating behind the scenes
I’m mismatched, holey socks
I’m not able to be boxed
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Jennifer,
Ooo, I love the comfort in this line:
“I’m a soft chenille sweater”
Thats fancy juxtaposed against “mismatched socks.” Love the contrast and complication.
Jennifer, I love the longer lines and the stanzas you’ve created. I enjoyed reading it this way and pausing to think about each couplet.
My favorite brings double warmth:
Jennifer,
You did such a great job of finding specific things to create metaphors with. This poem is homey and comfortable.
Jennifer, so many contrasts here. This is so beautiful! So many images, but these lines scream unique: “I’m mismatched, holey socks
I’m not able to be boxed”. Usually, those socks are discarded, but you have made an impactful statement that every sock matters. I have lost mates to mine and I refuse to throw them away!
Jennifer, your lines exude such comfort and peace – with a bit of warning, maybe: operating behind the scenes, not able to be boxed – look out, much energy in this!
Jessica, all of the contradictions (fire, breeze) highlight multi-faceted person that you are. I see the connections there (hard to please, so much like the delicate rose). Thanks for offering this prompt today!
When I Care To Be
Where I’m by myself
When I close my eyes…
I’m a stave of notes
Composed of cosmic motes
I’m bud and bloom
Both raindrop and flume
I’m the sketch in a book
A work undertook
I’m firefly-close (not too far)
Summertime-caught in a jar
…I’m whenever I want to be
Anywhen I care to be
And where I open my eyes
(When I care to be)
I’m right here.
Jennifer, those contrasts work beautifully here – raindrop and flume…..bud and bloom. But what I believe I like best is a stave of notes because it captures the melody of you. Firefly-close is pretty close. I’ve already seen some this season, and ironically it was on a chilly night – we live on the flight path an hour south of the Atlanta airport, so we have a constant stream of planes high overhead and at night they are two minutes apart over the tops of the Loblollies. We were out with the dogs and I glanced up in the tops of the pines and saw all these planes everywhere obscured by the trees – – wondering what the heck was going on with air travel and why so much travel that time of night in all directions. Then I realized…..they were fireflies…..when it was in the low sixties!! Never in all my days…….
You took me to a place of wonder and enchantment this morning! Beautiful, beautiful lines.
Fireflies and summertime caught in a jar is a such a warm feeling I need this morning. Thank you for transporting me on my chilly New England morning
Jennifer,
Love your diction: motes, flume, and that lovely image of a firefly.
Oh, Jennifer, you have created some good word fun here. “anywhen” sure makes me smile!
Your poem reminds me of Bryan’s today.
Love, love:
Boom. I love how you responded to today’s prompt…
You Glow Girl! Glow Glow Glow!
I do love your stave of notes and cosmic motes….a lovely poem, Jennifer!
Jennifer,
You took me right back to childhood, traipsing around our yard with the mayonnaise jar with holes poked in the top so I can create my own little glowy snowglobe. These lines:
Jennifer — the poem has a marvelous lyrical sound and gorgeous visual images… (cosmic motes)… I particularly love that one. “Stave of notes”…I want to steal that one! Beautiful poem! Just really so lovely. Susie
Thank you so much Jennifer! You are composed of bits and pieces of nature and masterpieces. I love the contrasts and connections. My favorite lines: “I’m firefly-close (not too far)
Summertime-caught in a jar” I can see that so clearly!.
Enchanting all the way through, Jennifer – your poems always are! I am smiling at “a work undertook.” It has the right, light tone, right there – just before the firefly and after the sketch. So lyrical and lovely, all of it.
Hi there! I’ve been avoiding poetry this week when I might need it the most. I really enjoy this prompt, and I loved seeing the throughline of you and your daughter in your poems – there’s an echo there that I enjoy!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I unzip
I’m a comic strip
I’m Dorothy in Oz
I fight for the cause
I’m new moss
I’m barbeque sauce
I’m a hummingbird
I’m a remembered word
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Emily, I’m laughing so hard at that first thing you do with your eyes closed. I unzip. There is something about the freedom of being alone and just unzipping to find comfort in the relaxation! New moss is beautiful….and so symbolic, as it is a guide for travelers to know which side of the trees is north, and on the heels of fighting for the cause it is powerful right here.
Oh the image of barbecue sauce – sweet, spicy and adding so much flavor to summertime! Perfect!
Emily,
I love the idea of being Dorothy. She’s a badass! The possibilities in
“I’m a remembered word”
are humbling and remind me how short life is. Lovely poem.
Emily — And I can attest…YES…you are all these beautiful things… the fun of the BBQ sauce, the fighter for a cause, aaah new moss (lovely). But I think the one that sticks (and how rightly) is “a remember word”… that is a powerful nugget… Way to go! Sending hugs, Susie
Well welcome back to it Emily. Your lines are a hodgepodge of a beautiful person! “I’m a remembered word”- this line is so powerful. Thank you so much for taking out a few moments to share with us today!
Emily, such an amazing mixture, and yet how beautifully these images come together! I am marveling over Dorothy and fighting for the cause and barbecue sauce in all their strengths juxaposed with the delicate new moss (I so love that, almost used moss instead of ivy myself), the hummingbird, and the remembered word. Magnificent-
Jessica, thank you, and your poet daughter for this inspiration this morning. You both captured such spirit and insight.
I appreciated the template and the digging into the depths of my being this morning. A great exercise that I believe many students would enjoy!
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m a springtime robin
I’m a dress made of cotton
I’m fresh mown grass
I’m a mountain pass
I’m a gentle wind chime
I’m a pie of key lime
I’m surrounded with love
like a well-worn glove
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Oh, Christine – such beautiful images! Every one of them. That dress made of cotton evokes so many things… fresh-mown grass, too but what captures my heart the most is that well-worn glove as a symbol of being surrounded by love. That love and the simple joys of life glimmer and beckon in every line,
Christine – I feel like I got a sense of who you are this morning through this! The nature imagery in here is coming through and makes me think of a Colorado spring day! I particularly like “a gentle wind chime, a pie of key lime.” Thanks for sharing!
Christine, everything about this is outdoor fresh! The robin, the cotton, the fresh mown grass, mountain pass……you are in a place of beauty this morning as you bring us these images and we see a slice of YOU in the key lime. Windchimes……I need a better place for mine…….
I can picture this! Love the fresh mown grass, and pie of key lime. Green imagery. Great!
Christine,
Every line of your poem comforts. All the springtime imagery feels like a ray of sunshine. Now I want key lime pie for breakfast! Yum. Lovely work.
Christine, the rhythm of your words really worked for me today (the twist for “pie of key lime”), and I loved the love like the “well-worn glove. I felt like I was traveling the seasons (springtime robin, fresh mown grass, wind). What a lovely place to take us today.
Christine, I love your rhyme in the middle! I think you like outside? I am not an outdoorsy person, but I love the smell of freshly mowed grass. That’s as close to nature as I like to be. Taking in the beauty and awe of God’s creation. And thank you for your kind words. I definitely want to try this with my students as well. I think it would be an eye-opening experience for them.
Jessica, thank you for hosting us today! I love your line I’m an explosion – haha! I feel that way on some bad days and some good days! I changed my who to where….
Where I Care to Be
When I’m by myself
in the peace of the moment
and I close my eyes,
I breathe the golden silence
I’m somewhere
I’m everywhere
I’m nowhere
I’m anywhere
I’m over there
I’m elsewhere
I’m self-aware
I’m unaware
I’m wherever I want to be
anywhere I care to be
And when I open my eyes
where I care to be
is right here
I liked the weaving of the central rhyme in the middle 8 …
Kevin
Kim – your poem itself is like a breath of peace in a golden moment, full of gratitude for not only Here, but Now.
The addition of “breath the golden silence” at the beginning spoke to me and made me pause for quite awhile before reading on. What a masterful take on this template. Thank you!
I like your “where” stanza, wonderful meditative quality.
Kim,
I love the possibilities and the unknowns in being “somewhere…everywhere…nowhere…anywhere…over there…elsewhere…self-aware…unaware.” These words show how complicated we are.
Kim, there’s something so inviting about breathing golden silence (any silence really but golden raises it). The meandering through all of the “wheres” brings me distinctly into each one, as if I’m touching base and then entering the next space. It feels meditative – I imagine breathing in during that last relaxation time in yoga class for the first “where” and slowly exhaling on the second.
Kim, I almost had one of those days, but I extinguished the wick! These lines are so true: “I’m somewhere
I’m everywhere
I’m nowhere
I’m anywhere
I’m over there
I’m elsewhere
I’m self-aware
I’m unaware”
because we can definitely be at many places at different points of our lives. Some days we are put together, other days we fall apart. One day we have a clue, and another day we’ve lost all of our marbles.
Jessica and Katalyn: Thank you for these amazing poems and inspiration! What a great template for composing and for examining oneself, owning vulnerability and finding self-love. Your verses are valuable on so many levels. As I began to write this morning, quite by myself (so I thought), I heard a rare sound… I cannot recall ever hearing it before. I had to stop, open my back door, and listen. Naturally it had to become part of the poem, as it’s become part of me, now…
Written on a Late-April Dawn as Birds Begin Singing
and Barred Owls Are Calling So Loudly (A Rare Sound)
When I’m by myself
And I close my eyes
I’m flickering candleglow
I’m a rainstreaked window
I’m sky-scouring birds
I’m the wings of words
I’m snowflakes, driven
I’m mistakes, forgiven
I’m an ivy-covered portal
I’m the voice of the owl, immortal
I’m whatever I want to be
An anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
Note: One of the many symbolic meanings of the barred owl is sacred space… which is always calling to me.
And perfect line: “I’m the voice of the owl, immortal”
Kevin
How appropriate that the barred owl called to you this morning. And yes I do believe you are the wings of words calling me to sacred places. Once again thank you!
These lines really stood out to me for the rhythm and beauty:
“I’m snowflakes, driven
I’m mistakes, forgiven”
I like how you used this pattern to add a twist to the format. I also love the image of an ivy-covered portal – mysterious and beautiful.
Thanks for sharing this!
Fran, that rain-streaked window and the mistakes, forgiven.. in candleglow …is such a comforting place of peace and serenity. I want to be there, in a chair beyond the ivy-covered portal, finding wings of words as the rain pelts on the window and the owl tells his story. Lovely images and feelings!
Fran,
This is a lovely image of words taking flight: ”I’m the wings of words”
It makes me think of how words depend on humans and our responsibility to language. Thank you for the note about barrel owls. It’s a fitting image for you and a beautiful, mysterious bird. I love seeing an owl’s eyes and moving head noticing all.
Fran — When I think about you through your poems, I see all of these… I love the images you’ve chosen! “Sky-scouring birds” … ah! “…wings of words”… you bring meaning and loft it to the sky for us. Lovely! Susie
Fran, your poem is gorgeous. Love “wings of words”. Plus, forgiven mistakes. Beautiful!
Thank you Fran for your precious words and for sharing this! Poetry is a way to share emotions, feelings, and thoughts, and no one ever has to really know if those words are about you. That’s the beauty of it. These are my favorite lines: “I’m snowflakes, driven
I’m mistakes, forgiven”, especially the mistakes, forgiven. We all need some grace every now and then (some more than others). What a great reflection of yourself!
When I’m by myself
and I close my eyes
I’m singing sound
I’m forever bound
by possibility
I’m the rolling sea
I’m tossing waves
to you, from me,
I’m the ink, dried,
to show I’ve tried
I’m whatever I want to be
And anything I care to be
And when I open my eyes
What I care to be
Is me
— Kevin
Tossing waves, like ink dried and singing sound – continuity, communication, celebration all beautifully packaged here behind your eyes, captured by your hand.
“Forever bound by possibility” you show that so clearly in the poems which you ink in ways the seem effortless. I love the image of ink dried to show you tried
Kevin, that ink dried to show I’ve tried is such a guiding light in my own life. You’ve captured in words my commitment to write something every day, to commit to the habit of what I know keeps me grounded – – writing. Ink. Effort. Process. Progress. Proof. There’s so much to that ink.
Kevin – I like how this sounds like song lyrics to me. I particularly enjoy the lines
“I’m the ink, dried,
to show I’ve tried”
I get the sense of self and acceptance of life’s tossing waves here.
Thanks for sharing this this morning.
This is great Kevin. My favorite lines: “I’m the ink, dried,
to show I’ve tried” You’ve left a lasting impression!
What a stunning poem and prompt! I’m off to write as the inspiration is real!
I’ll be looking for it Linda! Write on!