Day 1 of our January 2022 Open Write. Welcome.

Our Host

Stacey L. Joy is a National Board Certified Teacher, Google Certified Educator, L.A. County and LAUSD Teacher of the Year with 37 years of elementary classroom teaching experience. She currently teaches 5th grade. Teaching her Joyteam scholars the power of knowledge, self-advocacy and justice are the core of her practice. Stacey has served as a partner and guiding teacher for graduate students in the U.C.L.A. Teacher Education Program. Stacey is a poet at heart with one self-published book and several poems published in various anthologies. Follow Stacey on Twitter @joyteamstars.

Inspiration

Kwame Alexander’s poem Ten Reasons Why Fathers Cry at Night is a powerful mentor text to inspire list poems without too much poem-y structure.

I find myself counting all the time. I’m the “Countdown Lady” at school who posts the number of days remaining until our next day off. I often find myself listing reasons for or against something when I need to make a big decision. I have multiple music Playlists for various moods and purposes.

Today’s poem can be a list poem of any number and topic. I suggest you not confine or force yourself to write ten items. Just go with the flow.

Process

  • In the spirit of Kwame Alexander’s poem, try starting with a list of reasons why someone might:
  • Cry at night
  • Smile or laugh
  • Forget
  • Remember
  • Or visit a playlist, a shopping list, a to-do list, or a to-be-read list and turn it into a poem.

Stacey’s Poem

Ten Reasons to Have Hope in 2022

Because 2020 was like braiding water
And 2021 lasted 365 days too long

Because effectively teaching remotely is remotely impossible
And teaching in a mask is worse than a hot flash

Because too many lives were lost
And not enough love was found

Because we learned to try new things
Like baking bread and hosting virtual parties

Because normal held hate and harm
And new normals never need naming

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. Also, please be sure to respond to at least three writers. 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. If you’d like to invite other teachers to write with us, tell them to subscribe.

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Kevin Hodgson

I’m a few days late
for I’ve had to create
this list maybe more times
than twice
’cause I keep on losing it, like
a shuttle of mice,
a cabin of coconuts,
a bizarre of birds,
a headphone of hot dogs,
a poem of the absurd


Alexis Ennis

Hello! I’m Alexis and this is my first time joining! This first write is amazing and already has been excited to dive in and start writing.

here is my attempt (rough attempt at that)

Ten Reasons to Read a Book

because our world can be too heavy
because our life can be too real
because we need less noise
because we need joy
because we need a friend
because we need family
because we are uncomfortable
because we don’t know who we are
because we need to breathe
because it brings us together

Kevin Hodgson

Nicely done, with the Because becoming the frame of the poem
Kevin

Wendy Everard

Stacey:
Loved this prompt.
That Kwame Alexander poem! Oh, my heart.
I loved your offering, especially,
Because 2020 was like braiding water”

“Because too many lives were lost
And not enough love was found” (Truth)

“And new normals never need naming”

Lovely!

Here’s my offering for this morning:

10 Reasons That the Sky Is So Blue Today

Because you held me in your arms
And rubbed my back.

Because I tossed a red blanket
Over my pup’s cage last night
To keep him toasty.

And because when he saw me this morning, 
He wagged his stub of a tail
And smiled.

Because I was caught off guard
Discovering joy in a simple game

Because four friends celebrated 
With me at once, proving that online
is not all bad.

Because one friend joined me for talk,
Face to lovely face.

Because my daughter
Let me mother her.

Because lazy days in white blankets
Rekindle hope and inspiration

Because this week 
I will be better, I swear

Because I can believe this today.

Denise Krebs

Oh, Wendy, what a heart-warming poem. I can see you walking through each of these events today. The red blanket and the smiling stubby tail of your pup are two of my favorite images. Just beautiful poem and title to go with it.

DeAnna C

Wendy,
I enjoyed you 10 reasons why the sky is blue today. It hits home as I am trying to be better about finding something to be positive about. In each of your reasons I feel bubbles of positivity . Thank you for sharing today.

shaunbek@gmail.com

Wendy,
I love the way each event makes the day better. I long for the days when my teen will let me father her. Excellent way to start the day.

Brittany Saulnier

Hi Wendy! I can so relate to your line “Because I was caught off guard discovering joy in a simple game”. It’s such a lovely feeling!

Stacey Joy

Wendy, I didn’t see your poem yesterday and I’m really happy I saw it today. I love the love that flows throughout each stanza. It’s the small things now that seem to give us the sweetest joys!

I adore:

Because my daughter

Let me mother her.

My daughter is 30 and doesn’t want much mothering. LOL. I know how you feel. Thank you for sharing your poem, this peaceful place you’ve given us today (yesterday).

?

DeAnna C

Covid, cold, or allergies?

I have a headache, stress or sinus?

My throat burns, should I worry?

Now my chest hurts to breathe, call doctor, hold one hour…

Covid test ordered, can’t get in for FIVE days, results in 24 to 48 hours

Temp is 103.5, Covid it has to be Covid

A very long 40 hors later negative results come in

Not Covid, some other virus keeping me home

Tuesday can’t come soon enough, back to work I can finally go

Denise Hill

I hate Covid so so much! This expresses that trepidation I have had numerous times and captures the stress we are living under. These countings are a testament to all those layers, and the relief! But only until the next time. Haunting but nicely captured here!

Susie Morice

Oh, Deanna — this is soooo painful. I agree with Denise…I HATE COVID SO MUCH! The fright in your poem is there…evidence builds up, line by line. But thank heavens its not Covid. I feel your relief to bolt from the tension and go back to work! You make this very real! Susie

Margaret Simon

I have had this same experience in the last few weeks. I was sure my husband had it but his test which took days to come back was negative. I feel like every day we say Do I have Covid today?

Wendy Everard

DeAnna,
Oh, this hit home! Going through this with an older daughter right now, and your piece perfectly captures the fear and frustration. <3

shaunbek@gmail.com

DeAnna,
This list is such a reminder of how every little health concern snowballs into a million other worries. Your poem exemplifies the cycle of anxiety we’re all going through.

Cara Fortey

DeAnna,
What a perfect and perfectly frustrating topic for a list poem. It really is a sign of the times that it resonates so deeply. I’m so glad you’re on the mend. Fie! Be done, COVID!

Rachelle

The rhetorical questions are so effective! This will be a good one to look back on in the future

Margaret Simon

Oh, Stacey, I almost missed this. The day is almost over and I’m finally checking email. I love Kwame’s poem, but your poem spoke to me as a pandemic teacher. Here’s to the hope of 2022.

I drove to New Orleans today and was struck by the destruction that is still along the coast, almost 5 months since Hurricane Ida.

Why the Trees Fell

Because the weight of wind and water is too heavy
for shallow roots to hold.

Because the trail of broken branches
makes kindling for the side road.

Because the stench of detritus doesn’t disappear
when the land dries out.

Because the insurance agent took the day, week, month off
to go hunting for duck or deer or something else.

Because he rented the U-Haul
and carried out the rocking chair
just to show you he could hurt you, too.

Because there will be another storm,
and another for as long as you are still alive
to hear it.

Denise Hill

Oh Margaret! My jaw just dropped at that last line. I said an audible Oh! I felt the weight of that first line when I started reading, and then the imagery carried me through each phase. We’ve had flooding here due to dams breaking, and the devastation seems permanent to nature but also people. And yet, that is the cycle. We choose to be here. Thank you for capturing that relationship of necessity and resiliency.

Stacey Joy

Whoa, Margaret! What a powerful gut-wrenching poem! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to read it on Saturday but I’m grateful to enjoy your gift this Sunday morning.

So many lines hit me, leaving me shaking my head.

This is especially striking to me:

Because he rented the U-Haul

and carried out the rocking chair

just to show you he could hurt you, too.

I pray for the day when the helpless are helped beyond their wildest dreams.

Thank you for writing and sharing!

Stay safe, my friend! ❤️

Wendy Everard

Margaret, this was beautiful! Loved the layers of meaning throughout this. The second-last stanza broke my heart a little. The last stanza was just the best — such a perfect, perfect ending.

Allison Berryhill

12 Reasons I’m Missing You

  1. Because you have been on this planet for 553 days, and I have nuzzled your neck for only 20. 
  2. Because your tiny brow crunches in concentration when you balance against a wall and step into Grandpa’s boot.
  3. Because your thighs are delicious miracles. 
  4. Because you tell me where my nose is, where my ears are. 
  5. Because you rock against me when I sing “This is the way we plant the corn…”
  6. Because although you do prefer your mama and daddy, I’m a pretty good third choice.
  7. Because you love hinges and knobs and latches, and I can protect your tender fingers.
  8. Because you grab my glasses off my face and wear them yourself.
  9. Because you bring me books and crawl onto my lap.
  10. Because you are generous with your wide-mouthed kisses.
  11. Because you want to ride the dog.
  12. Because I see in you your daddy, who I have loved fiercely for 12,562 days.
Denise Krebs

Oh, my Allison, what a precious glimpse into your visit with this new love, your grandbaby. My heart is so warmed. The details are delicious.

Stacey Joy

Allison, I am both smiling and crying! I see all of this so vividly because my first and only great niece has begun doing many of these fun loving things. The best part…

Because your thighs are delicious miracles. 

Oh, how much I want to just bury my face in those baby-fat and folded thighs. I sure hope you get to see your grandbaby again soon. I know how hard it is to be away from the babies. All the changes happen at light’s speed but the best thing is that you’ve captured these precious moments in your poem.

Love, love, love!
?

DeAnna C

Allison,
My grandmother heart was touched by the beauty of your poem. I take for granted how often I get to seem my grandkids. Blessed to have them only twenty minutes away. Thank you for sharing today.

Susie Morice

Allison — Hey there, girlie! Glad to read this loving grandma poem. Oh man…just so fun and so yummy. I laughed out loud at “ride the dog.” The curiosity and dynamic creativity of this little booger is just marvelous. Now I miss your little one. I LOVE that you counted those days…LOVE that. Alas, even though I know this just hurts. You’re a good woman. Hugs, Susie

Wendy Everard

Allison, this lovely poem made me tear up and reminded me:

  • of days past with my (more grown now) children
  • how my mom feels all the time.

Thank you for sharing. <3

Rachelle

I’ve loved the picture of Wolf on Facebook ❤️ Thanks for sharing this poem tribute to him too

Denise Krebs

Stacey, it is great to be here again and see your shining face! There are so many things I love about your poem. “Because effectively teaching remotely is remotely impossible” Truth! And what you said about too many deaths and not enough love. And the last line! Yes, to hope in 2022!

I am in a writing slump, but I was determined to come here this week, even though I am up to my elbows and cracked hands in cleaning and fix-up projects.

Seven Reasons to Fix That Broken Thing
Because a new one costs more money,
and extra money can be used wisely.
Because it will save space in the landfill,
and the world does not need extra stuff.
Because we can call it retro or antique,
and it suits our dusty homesteader cabin.
Because when it’s finished it will be useful,
and it will make me happy to know I fixed it.
Because it is just like one that I grew up with,
and it reminds me of my grandma.
Because we’re not working right now,
and we have lots more time than we used to.
Because it is rewarding to work with our hands,
even though my hands
are now dry
and cracked
and splintered
from this
wintry
desert.
But that’s another list.

Mo Daley

Denise, I wonder if this is a January thing- my husband and I are in the same mode right now. I can relate to every line in your poem. Try Working Hands cream!

Tammi

Denise — “the world does not need” my “extra stuff “either. Lol!

I second Mo’s suggestion about Working Hands. It really works wonders on cracked hands.

Scott M

Denise, I totally agree! These are all true reasons to “fix that broken thing.” I especially love “when it’s finished it will be useful” (which brought to mind Marge Piercy’s “To be of use” — and any poem that reminds me of that is a keeper in my book). Oh, and I’m with you with the “dry / and cracked / and splintered” hands!

Allison Berryhill

What a delight! Your poem makes me realize that I failed to “make a turn” in my own poem. I love how you “turned” at “even though…”
You make me want to fix broken things.
You make me want to pay attention.
XO

Stacey Joy

Hi Denise,
I wish I had the skill/gift you have of fixing things. Lately, all I can seem to fix is something on a student’s device or my own, meh! I’m wondering how you decided on this topic. I’m wondering if the broken thing has been part of your week, or if it is the big event of today. I’m wondering so many things about it and that’s what I enjoy most, the wondering about what and how writers decide what to write. You’ve got a special gift and I’m deeply appreciative that you chose my prompt to share your gift today.

??warm those hands!

Hugs!

Margaret Simon

Setting up a new household in a new place has its challenges. I am finding the ironic humor of your list.

Susan Osborn

This poem makes me smile at humanity. We rationalize so many things. The ending of dry cracked hands sure goes with our weather and our many things to fix.

Maureen Y Ingram

I love this! Especially, “Because we can call it retro or antique,
and it suits our dusty homesteader cabin.” – I, too, love to reuse/upcycle/fix up…I can just imagine the work you are up to! Such a fun list. Sorry for the aching hands, though.

Denise Krebs

Stacey, it is great to be here again and see your shining face! There are so many things I love about your poem. “Because effectively teaching remotely is remotely impossible” Truth! And what you said about too many deaths and not enough love. And the last line! Yes, to hope in 2022!

I am in a slump, but I was determined to come here this week, even though I am up to my elbows and cracked hands in cleaning and fix-up projects.

Seven Reasons to Fix That Broken Thing

Because a new one costs more money,
and extra money can be used wisely.
Because it will save space in the landfill,
and the world does not need extra stuff.
Because we can call it retro or antique,
and it suits our dusty homesteader cabin.
Because when it’s finished it will be useful,
and it will make me happy to know I fixed it.
Because it is just like one that I grew up with,
and it reminds me of my grandma.
Because we’re not working right now,
and we have lots more time than we used to.
Because it is rewarding to work with our hands,
even though my hands
are now dry
and cracked
and splintered
from this
wintry
desert.
But that’s another list.

J. O'Neill

10 ways I experience joy

Each night the sky lights up in beautiful hues
as if the sun is saying farewell
before the darkness takes over
at a speed that seems faster than that of the light
but the cyclical rhythm of nature offers the promise 
that the light will return once again
and smother my skin with warmth like a thick lotion

Each morning I wake
slowly becoming cognizant of the sensations I feel
the warmth of my blanket
the cold air hitting my toes
the smell of the fabric softener on my pillowcase
the pulsating sound of the alarm
the muted colors that fill my eyes
as my eyelids slowly part

I push my feet down on the floor
And it pushes back on me

water
washes away
the oil and dirt and grime
of yesterday

Glucose 
makes the taste buds on my tongue dance
and as caffeine floods through my veins
the bootup process in my brain completes
and I feel focused
and alive
chemical energy will soon be kinetic

As I open the door to the world
I experience God’s intricate creation at its fullest
photosynthesis occurs
DNA copies
cells divide
meiosis happens
gravity and intermolecular forces hold everything together
with perfect regularity
offering me the comfort of a warm hug

The day is full of probabilities
permutations
and possibilities
and I can roughly estimate them
silently within my head

In the darkest moments
love shields me
like the strongest armor
protecting me
from the deepest most piercing pain

As I look at the faces of the people around me
I see the muted image of myself
in human experiences we share
but rarely discuss

Then I focus my gaze more deeply on myself-
so messily wrapped
full of unique quirks 
and imperfections
but perfectly me

Denise Krebs

Wow, this is gorgeous. I love how you have written so many things that bring you joy. How could your reader not climb aboard and enjoy life with you. Some of my favorite things about your poem…

The alliteration of “probabilities / permutations / and possibilities”

And this gorgeous stanza:

“In the darkest moments
love shields me
like the strongest armor
protecting me
from the deepest most piercing pain”

Wow! And the closing about connections with other humans and seeing yourself in them, but then it leads you to accept yourself with all your perfect imperfections. Well done!

Mo Daley

I, this is so lovely and thoughtful. The way you play with sounds and sensory images is terrific. I really love your final stanzas.

Seana Wright

This is fantastic. The visuals you created with your descriptions are perfect-I especially enjoyed the journey you took me on at sunset, then the morning shower, coffee, and entering the world. Its perfect!!. Thank you.

Tammi

Beautiful poem. I really enjoyed the way you move through your day and then focus inward.
Loved these lines:
Water
washes away
the oil and dirt and grime
of yesterday

Allison Berryhill

J. O’ Neill, I was moved by your attention to detail–each moment. And this line rang with satisfying consonance: “chemical energy will soon be kinetic.” Thank you for guiding me through your morning with such lovely language. Embrace that “perfectly” you!

Stacey Joy

Hi J., wow, what an abundance of self-awareness, love and joy in your poem. I’m in love with this:

love shields me

like the strongest armor

I appreciate the end, total acceptance of all that you are, imperfections and all!

This is a beautiful poem, J. Thank you for sharing.

?

Katrina Morrison

The featherbed welcomes
My familiar frame.
Would that it could
Swaddle my mind,
Slow the random,
Unnamed thoughts that
Want to stay up all night
And have a party
At my expense.
Freeloaders.

And so the count begins

Sheep one is all of
Those absent from my day.

Sheep two is the
Disruptions to the schedule.

Sheep three is the friend
Who left work abruptly.

Sheep four is the friend
I failed to check in on.

Sheep five is the time
I didn’t donate to silence.

Sheep six is, wait,
There’s a wolf in the pen…

Where was I,
Sheep one is…

Denise Krebs

Katrina, what a gem! You took this prompt in a unique and sweet way. I love how you describe those freeloaders that want to party all night at your expense. Your big heart comes through in the sheep you are counting. Peace and a good night’s sleep tonight!

Mo Daley

Hi, Katrina. I love the tone of your poem. This is what I tried to do with mine, but wasn’t able to. Lots to think about here.

Meredith Mahoney

“Freeloaders! Yes! I also struggle with sleep and I love the way that you expressed the movements of the mind that keep you awake.

Stacey Joy

Katrina, so much fun but I know the frustrations of sleeplessness. Isn’t it odd how our friends tend to creep into our minds at times like this?

The ending is PERFECTION!

?

Mo Daley

Six Reasons to Stay Busy
By Mo Daley 1/15/22

Because grass doesn’t grow on a busy street

Because this laundry isn’t going to fold itself

Because these kids deserve a smart,
well-prepare teacher
who has thoughtfully prepared a lesson

Because I have to save the best parts of me
for my family
Sorry, but store-bought cookies and cakes won’t do
it’s got to be made with love, from scratch

Because busy leads to exhaustion
and exhaustion is often the only way
sleep can find me

Because busy pushes away melancholy,
who constantly raps at my door,
reminding me that
tomorrow is not guaranteed

Katrina Morrison

Mo, I can certainly identify with your line, “Busy pushes away melancholy.” If it could only sweep it away.

Denise Krebs

Mo, you have created a busy poem that speaks to others who are so busy. I love the “it’s got to be made with love, from scratch” line. You are remembering the important things in the busyness. And “tomorrow is not guaranteed” is a sharp closing that makes me stop and think.

Seana Wright

Mo,
yourpoem spoke directly to me. And yes you’re right, our families deserve homemade sweets and our students deserve the absolute best lessons. I loved the line “busy leads to exhaustion
and exhaustion is often the only way
sleep can find me” and that truly spoke to me. Bravo!

Stacey Joy

Mo, again, you seem to find the poem that needs to speak to ME! I am often considered the busy one in my family and they always know it’s all about school. How sad. Yet, is that what it’s supposed to be? No, it can’t be. When this work of ours is said and done and retirement blesses our lives, I wonder what becomes of my “busy-ness” and my life.

Ahhh, so true:

Because these kids deserve a smart,

well-prepare teacher

who has thoughtfully prepared a lesson

Thank you. I needed this!

?

Susan Osborn

I’m sorry if this is posted twice. I think I forgot to post earlier even though I pasted it into the box. Some days are like that for me. Forgetful.
Susan

Isolation

Because I stay over six feet away from you
I look forward to the day we can hug.

Because I cover my face and eyes
I look forward to the day to let me show my smile.

Because I am afraid to speak or say hello
I look forward to a day of clean air and cheering at the top of my lungs.

Because I stay outdoors
I look forward a time to meet you indoors.

Because I am afraid to join a party
I look forward the day of a big celebration.

Because I don’t go to museums, theater and lectures
I look forward to the day I can walk in their crowds.

Because I attend church virtually
I looked forward to a day when I can worship in person.

Because I am aware of others like me 
I am encouraged we will make things better.

Nancy White

Susan, I especially like the hope your last two lines bring. I am looking forward to all the things you mentioned. So many losses in our lives, but we must not give up our faith and hope in good to prevail.

Rachelle

Thank you for this accessible way to get us back into the poetry groove, Stacey!

Reasons to Plant the Tulip Bulbs This Weekend

You should have done it in October. Or November. Or December, even. Today works just as well. 

One or two more frosts this winter are good for the flower—they shock the bulb into growth (this might be a metaphor). 

Noticing a bit of dirt beneath your nail this week will be a reminder of the sun on the back of your neck. 

Isn’t life (and teaching) all about planting seeds? Patience? Hope?

Last year’s daffodils are tentatively poking through the earth, like periscopes, searching for a spring to come. 

Life’s too short not to make time for the things you want. 

Cara Fortey

Rachelle,
This is lovely, but how did you get sun today!?!? We had chilly fog all day. Humph. I love this line,
“Last year’s daffodils are tentatively poking through the earth, like periscopes, searching for a spring to come.”
as I just noticed my own daffodils popping up. “Life’s too short” indeed.

Stacey Joy

Hi Rachelle! Fun, fun, fun! I love the choice you made for your topic. I have always wanted to plant tulip bulbs but I know my limitations. LOL. They’re such gorgeous flowers.

My favorite line:

Noticing a bit of dirt beneath your nail this week will be a reminder of the sun on the back of your neck.

because don’t we all need reminders of the sun on the backs of our necks!

?

Denise Krebs

I too love the dirt beneath your nails and what it will remind you of this week. Lovely. The last line too, Rachelle, is a perfect lesson and reminder. I am sure you are going to do it, if you haven’t already planted the bulbs of hope.

Katrina Morrison

I love the whimsy of planting tulips in January. Your tulips may bloom next year like “last year’s daffodils.”

DeAnna C

Rachelle,
Wonderful list poem. You make earn to see my tulips bloom. It is late at night and I want to see if my daffodils are also lime periscopes searing for spring. Think I’ll wait until morning.

Tammi

Stacey — Thanks for your prompt and thank you for your poem. I was especially moved by these lines: Because too many lives were lost/
And not enough love was found

Praying for a better 2022.

Why My Christmas Tree Stays Up Until February

Because the Christmas tree and ornament boxes are in the attic
which is freezer frigid, no thank you.
Because the plastic green needles shed when the tree is rustled.
Because I might drop a bulb,
it might shatter across the hard floor.

Because Covid fatigue kept me on the couch.
Because Covid fatigue kept my husband on the couch.
Because I thought family would enjoy my tree this Christmas
Because I thought my son would visit from out of state
But only Covid visited

Because January is depressing,
and  my vitamin D levels are dwindling 
and gray slush is so much colder than snow.

Because February is depressing.
 How long until spring? I am crashing.
Because the twinkling lights guide me through the dark house.
Because I need another holiday before I can put Christmas back in its box.
Because I need Christmas hope and joy to last a little longer.

Linda Mitchell

Tammi, the sadness in this is heavy. What a picture of 2021. It’s the truth and it’s hard. I’m wishing you extra Christmas hope. You keep that tree up. Nothing wrong with that! I love how this poem paints such a vivid image of the feeling of this time.

Cara Fortey

Tammi,
I feel so seen in your poem! My tree is still up, but I’m hoping my sons help me take it down this weekend–I certainly don’t have the energy to do it alone. COVID fatigue is real and devastating and yet we carry on, and “Because I need Christmas hope and joy to last a little longer.”

Brittany Saulnier

Hi Tammi! Thank you for your poem! I just took the tree down today and already I miss it. The line “Because I might drop a bulb, it might shatter across the hard floor” resonated with me the most. It captures so perfectly the desire to just let the happy moment stay, without interference.

Denise Krebs

Oh, Tammi, you spoke your heart in this one. The title made me think of one thing, but you gave it life. Wow! “How long until spring? I am crashing.” Maybe you’ll keep it up until April! Why not. I love that “the twinkling lights guide me through the dark house.” That is worth a lot.

Seana Wright

After School To-Do List

Catch up on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, then buy something pink
Drink decaf coffee or tea with a little sugar in it. After teaching all day, you need a little sugar.
Buy Kettle Corn or fresh peaches at an afternoon Open air market
Cook CoqAuVin for dinner
Make love with your honey in the daytime before your offspring come home
Go online and buy a pair of cozy sapphire teacher shoes with insoles in them
Listen to Adele’s new album and exercise your vocal cords
Take a 3 hour nap and let your family figure out dinner
Sit outside for an hour and absorb the gratitude of being able to nurture a young person.

Maureen Y Ingram

What a precious list for after school ! I love that these are “to-do” – as in, mustand each item is so restorative.

Britt

I simply adore this list!!

Linda Mitchell

Oh, yes…a little sugar after a day of teaching. And all the other details are so very sweet too.

Cara Fortey

Seana,
What a beautiful celebration of life in a list! Every item is an exercise in self-care and appreciation. Wonderful!

Stacey Joy

Hi my friend! You have such a fun variety of things to do after school. I especially love that you started off with television and shopping! Perfect! But what is the most special is that you got to make love in the afternoon! I remember those days, lonnnnnnnng ago. Haha!

Love you and I’m grateful you came to write today.

Allison Berryhill

Seana, I LOVED the juxtaposition of these two lines:
Make love with your honey in the daytime before your offspring come home
Go online and buy a pair of cozy sapphire teacher shoes with insoles in them”

Your poem is rich with the specifics that draw me into your experience. XOXO!

Britt

Happy new year, friends. Thank you for this inspiration, Stacey! I’ve been sentimental the last couple weeks about my boys, so…

Elías –

Because one day you won’t throw your fingers in the air yelling, “ohsh {dos} años!”

Because one day you’ll stop requesting “ickey owsh.”

Because one day you’ll realize “no” does not have multiple meanings.

Because one day you won’t yell “oosh!” each time you want shoes on to go outside.

Because one day you won’t wake up roaring like a lion, eyes half closed and a grin.

Gabriel –

Because one day you might not light up upon me entering a room.

Because one day you might not pull daddy’s beard hair when you’re frustrated.

Because one day you might not chew on your toes.

Because one day you might not try to grab the whale covering the spout at bath time.

Because one day you might not play with books that crinkle when you turn the pages.

Susan Ahlbrand

What a wonderful capture of NOW!

Stacy Nolan

I love this, Britt! Just beautiful! ❤️

Tammi

Britt,

I love the sweetness of this poem. Your images of your son were so beautiful and precious. I remember those days when my own children were babies fondly.
I especially loved the line:
“Because one day you’ll realize “no” does not have multiple meanings.” — this made me laugh.

Maureen Y Ingram

A gift of a poem – for your memory book! I love love love this. I can ‘see’ these little guys through your words.

Brittany Saulnier

Hi Britt! Thank you for sharing your poem! I love the sensation of freezing time for a moment. The repetition of “might not” made me smile.

Stacey Joy

Britt, please savor all of these sweet, tender moments. One day, your adorable boys will listen to you read this poem and think it couldn’t have been possible. I love it.

Because one day you won’t wake up roaring like a lion, eyes half closed and a grin.

I chuckled on this line because I was thinking about the day your boy’s voice changes and he will be back to roaring like a lion!! One of my 5th graders couldn’t return to school yet because of Covid. He recorded his weekly presentation (audio) and as soon as I pushed play, the class and I all were in total shock at the bass in his voice. It literally changed since December. So behold those sweet little baby voices, Britt!

?

Erika

Oh, Britt! You will be so grateful that you are a writing mom in the future when you reread this perfect capture of today. I wish I had written memories as they were made with my now adult sons.

Brittany Saulnier

Thank you for today’s prompt Stacey!

To Do/n’t During First Covid Pregnancy

Buy books, by mail.
Wash your hands.

Buy furniture.
Don’t cry when it comes with footprints and holes all over the box.  
               Wash your hands.

Don’t touch your nose, or your mouth, or your eyes.
Put on a cloth, wait no, put on two – that’s not right either.  
Take relaxing breaths through squished lungs and an N95.
Wash your hands.

Don’t clean the cat litter box or the bathtub using chemicals.
Hand sanitize.

Did you see her little foot?!

Wash your hands.

Don’t consume too much caffeine or sugar.
Make healthy meals from fresh, local – bare bins of produce.
Eat alone in your classroom.
Did you wash your hands?

Work with grace.
               Through nausea?                Through fatigue?         Through pain?
               Yes, why are you tired anyway?

Did you feel that kick?!

Wash your hands

Register for gifts – remember the thingy and the whatchamacallit.
                                 Oh, I can’t believe you forgot the whatsit!
                                                                                               (What on Earth is a whatsit?)
Cancel shower- will it work on video conferencing?
Order stroller.
               Sign up for in-stock updates. Hit refresh. Hit refresh. Hit refresh.
Register at hospital.
               Do you know how you will manage pain?
               Who will be the pediatrician?
Who will cover you at work?

Why are you still washing your hands?

Because we know her name.

Britt

Oh, my heart. My son is 7 months now, so we were 7 months into the pandemic when I got pregnant. I feel this. You are amazing. You are killing it. ?

Tammi

Oh my, goodness! I feel the anxiety in this poem. I can’t fathom the conflicting emotions you must have as you prepare for the most exciting moments of your life but still must be so diligent in keeping safe.

The interjections — “Did you see her little foot?!/Did you feel that kick?!/Because we know her name.”
are really powerful

Maureen Y Ingram

I love how you have interspersed your list of to do’s with the loving reasons ‘why’…congratulations on your sweet little one!!

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Brittany, all of that trepidation, that unknown, and most definitely the love you have for who is soon to arrive weave themselves beautifully through your words today. Adding to that, there’s the mantra of “wash your hands” popping up again and again (as if there isn’t enough to worry about). It must be overwhelming, more so right now. But those bolded reminders, the foot, the kick, the name, are the focus – for us and for you. So glad to see you here!

Linda Mitchell

You know when one says, “I can’t imagine?” I can now imagine…what a description. This is a lot. A lot more than I’ve been noticing in my own little bubble. Amazing detail and the building of stress through the lines is a good slow burn.

Erika

Ooof! This poem tells so much and shows the push and pull of before Covid and now. Your little girl is lucky to have a mom who writes so she will have these early entries into her own book of life.

Margaret Simon

The repetition of wash your hands is so affective in your poem. The last line is pure joy.

Nancy White

Stacey, Thanks for your beautiful poem and leadership today. I wasn’t going to write this time around, but you inspired me to give it a try. For the last two years I’ve been walking every day. I wrote about the reasons why.

Reasons I Walk
By Nancy White

Because going forward feels like purpose

Because I hear the sounds of life other than mine

Because I soak in the stillness and lose sense of time

Because the outside air is more alive

Because my heart gets strong and fit

Because I feel like a kid out wandering 

Because my muscles hurt so good

Because nothing else matters when you’re in the moment 

Because of the wonders of the sky above

Because life is bigger out in the open 

Because I’m open and aware 

Because I find my way wherever I go

Tammi

Nancy —
I’m a walker too and you have captured the reasons so well. I can totally relate and feel that same freedom when I am out in the open air.

Your first line is especially powerful:Because going forward feels like purpose

Maureen Y Ingram

I, too, love to walk; there is always something that lifts me when I am outside. You have so many great reasons here. I am drawn to, “Because life is bigger out in the open” – love that!

Cara Fortey

Nancy,
Oh yes! I just got back from walking my dog for the first time in a while. Darkness and weather have prevented me from going as often as I like and it was wonderful for ALL the reasons you list, but these lines particularly resonated with me:

Because I soak in the stillness and lose sense of time

Because the outside air is more alive

Denise Hill

I love to see how many other walkers have identified with this poem! Absolutely I am one of them, I am with you. You have captured in words any of the feelings I have when I walk. I also enjoy how I can almost feel a rhythm of walking when I read this. I’m glad you didn’t skip this time around, because I’m going to be remembering these lines on my daily walks. Thank you!

Emily Yamasaki

Ten Reasons to Leap
By: Emily Yamasaki

for the people on the other side

for the ones left on the cliff side

sometimes it is the only way to convince yourself of what you’re capable of

closest way to the limitless sky

there is no “right” time

a fall comes with a lesson

Regret is a lonely and clingy friend

there may be a soft landing below

the jump isn’t the ending, it’s the beginning

what will freedom taste like?

Maureen Y Ingram

This is such a motivating poem! Love all the reasons to leap … I especially like “closest way to the limitless sky.”

Barb Edler

Emily, I can connect so well with your poem; the fear we often face that hinders us from making the important actions. Your closing question says it all! Yes, “Regret is a lonely and clingy friend”.

Allison Berryhill

Wow. I started highlighting lines and then realized I was highlighting the entire poem. I want every word. Thank you.

Julie E Meiklejohn

Hoo boy! I so totally relate! The line I keep returning to is your last one…the idea of being a “tether to enough.” I’m especially struck by the idea of your word choice “enough.” Isn’t that what we all seem to be striving toward anymore? Not “greatness,” or “excellence,” just…enough. And I guess, ultimately, that is…enough

Susie Morice

Oh, Sarah, you did such a huge service to the plight and heart of teachers here. So so so darned true. I continue to believe in teachers and just ache for how hard the world of a teacher is. Thank you for this homage! Images that really punched…”lock themselves in the book closet” and “looking for a razor”… those just nailed it. Thank heavens for those partner texts! Great voice! Thank you. Susie

Maureen Y Ingram

You have given a real shout out to our supportive partners…while also illuminating the overwhelming work of a teacher. I love the final phrase so much – what a cool way to describe one’s importance – “you are a tether to enough” – thank goodness for partners reining us in.

Linda Mitchell

Amen to that…no one really knows outside of teachers. I would love to see this from a nurse’s partner as well. I once heard that teachers and nurses come from the same pool of people. There are many similarities.

Barb Edler

Sarah, I love how you bring the life of a teacher in striking colors here. I love the second to last section, especially the custodian having a new story. I always want to have a great relationship with custodians, but sometimes they want a lot of your time, too, just to listen. The opening lines really set the pace of your poem and I was completely captured! Outstanding message and poem!

Barb Edler

Stacey, your prompt and poem offer so much to consider. I keep going back to the ending of your emotionally-charged and provocative poem’s ending:
Because normal held hate and harm
And new normals never need naming”

Thanks for your wonderful prompt and sharing your incredible poetry today.

A Cold Winter Day

Outside
gray skies swallow whole the sun
six inches of snow
paints a pristine landscape
lacing leafless limbs
in glittering crystal gems 
birds flit—ebony & white
outshined by a cardinal’s wing

Inside
I watch the world drift
huddled beneath a cozy fleece
savor the sweet warmth of peppermint tea
linger between the words of a poem
dream of warmer days;
pray for serenity and
peace

Barb Edler
15 January 2022

Nancy White

Barb, I love the contrast between outside and inside. They compliment each other. Each stanza entices me in its own way.

Susie Morice

Hi, Barb — You offered such a clear moment here. The peppermint is in the air…the red of that cardinal against the snow…and my favorite line:
“Klinger between the words of a poem”… that is beautiful…it slows the reader down and lets her soak in the images. Stay warm, my friend. It’s going to be frigid tonight! Hugs, Susie

Maureen Y Ingram

What a beautiful day to be inside, observing while “huddled beneath a cozy fleece” the snowy world outside. So many great noticings!!

Susan Osborn

Barb, this describes our winter day even for California. Your poem speaks to me today and I look at gray skies and the world drifting.

Cara Fortey

I kind of took a bit of liberty with the list idea and did an abecedarian. This is my 26th year teaching at my school, and there are 26 letters in the alphabet–how serendipitous! There are lines that allude to big life changes and so forth in the order they happened–a teaching autobiography in 26 lines!

Thank you for the wonderful prompt!

26 Years

A new job, new students, new people at every turn
Become my colleagues, my kids, my community.
Classes change, curriculum morphs, but I stay.
Despite four preps, I find my flow, get into a good groove.
Every year, I mourn the loss of my seniors as they graduate
Finally stepping into adulthood and away from high school.
Going on maternity leave is both wonderful and lonely,
Having no intellectual debates beyond Baby Einstein,
I learn to find a new balance of work and motherhood.
Joy comes in two forms now–love and learning on all fronts.
Keep the books, the toys, the moments of triumph steady,
Learn to appreciate new classes, new ideas, new students.
Make choices to challenge the way it’s always been done
Never settling for just doing it over the same each year.
Offer, finally, a second rolling year of my favorite class.
Perform, playact, pretend that all is okay outside of school,
Quite amazingly, not one student learns the hidden truth.
Release from marriage makes me a better teacher,
Singing the praises of literature to make us be authentic
True learners of life, challenging ideas and standards,
Undoing the restrictive bonds of “there is only one answer.”
Veracity comes when you open your heart to the
World, knowing that we are just one model of reality. A
Xenial atmosphere is nearly impossible in a virtual class.
Yet we persevere, we persist, we proudly carry on.
Zealously continuing on this journey of learning together. 

Britt

Congratulations on 26 years!! This format is new to me; I love it! What a full, satisfying, chaotic, lovely 26 years this sounds like. 🙂

Maureen Y Ingram

What a clever and AMAZING way to write one’s autobiography!! There is so much wisdom in this phrase – “knowing that we are just one model of reality”

Rachelle

This poem is so YOU on several levels (of course). I value seeing how your philosophy and pedagogy of teaching unfolds as well through the lines. Thanks for sharing!

DeAnna C

Wow, Cara 26 years!! Congratulations ? thanks for allowing me a chance to be on your team these last few years. Of course you wrote an abecedarian list poem, it is so you!!

Jen B.

Reasons to Believe I’ll Find Love Again
 
Because I’ve been there, done that… and survived it.
Because there are 7 billion people in the world and at least one of them must be looking for
me too.
 
Because I’m pretty and smart and fun and funny (and learning to love, to know those things about myself).
Because I’m managing my finances, my mental health, my physical health and wellness.
 
Because the romantic relationships in my past fell short of being true partnerships – and
now I know the difference.
Because regardless of Bennifer evidence to the contrary, dating exes is a dangerous idea.
 
Because my broken heart is finally starting to feel like painful memory and no longer a bone-crushing, breathtaking, life-altering emergency.
Because I’m finally ready. 

Barb Edler

Jen, I love the straight-forward honesty of your poem, and the self-love you show reveals that you are truly ready to share your life and love with someone who hopefully will be deserving. I have to agree with your point that dating exes is dangerous territory.

Nancy White

Jen, I love your honest and wise observations on what is true. It sounds like you are recognizing what your strengths are and seeing how much you’ve grown. To be able to say, “I’m ready” show you are a patient, hopeful, and brave soul.

Emily Yamasaki

So beautiful. Your poem holds space for the painful past and the uncertainty, but hope for the future. Thank you for sharing this vulnerable poem with us.

Susan Ahlbrand

Bravo to you! This poem hits differently as I just watched the most recent episode of And Just Like That.

My favorite line is

Because my broken heart is finally starting to feel like painful memory and no longer a bone-crushing, breathtaking, life-altering emergency.

Britt

Your poem gave me chills. I love the honesty and love of self. Here’s to you and to love!!

Maureen Y Ingram

This is a great poem to keep on your bedroom mirror, a reminder of your strength and fortitude. I am so glad that your “broken heart is finally starting to feel like painful memory” and I believe, too, love will come your way again!!

Jolie Hicks

Ten Reasons I Use Social Media

Because I WISH to connect with audiences outside of the academy,

Because I HAVE to access the “need to know right now” kinds of information,

Because I LONG to share my present life and remember my past ones,

Because I INTEND to expand my network,

Because I HOPE to encourage people to read publications (32% of social science researchers go uncited) (Carrigan, 2016),

Because I NEED to amuse myself and others sometimes,

Because I ASPIRE to engage in critical conversations and recognize who holds the power,
Because I AIM to amplify the voices of love and light,

Because I CHOOSE to understand the world from other people’s perspectives, AND

Because I EXPECT to build cross-cultural connections with those in these spaces to strengthen our small (and growing smaller) world.

Barb Edler

Jolie, wow, your reasons to connect socially are inspiring! Loved your line:” I NEED to amuse myself and others sometimes”…I recently read a post that had me laughing so hard it was difficult to stop laughing, and it made my day significantly better.

Maureen Y Ingram

I appreciate seeing your varied list of reasons for social media!

Jessica Wiley

I’ve never read that poem, and now I need to print it! Well, here I go…
Ten Reasons Why I Stay in My Phone

I read my Bible app there

I’m still an introvert forced into uncomfortability

My life is in it (I’ve already told too much)

It’s a habit, a bad one at that

I can socialize in a broad space without bumping into anyone “in person”

It’s where I type my secrets, desires, and innermost thoughts because I’m scared to use paper

It’s a great decoy to appear “busy”

I use the Maps app because I’m directionally challenged

It’s a “great” distraction from what I need to be doing

It’s my lifeline!

Julie E Meiklejohn

Oh my…what would we do without our phones? I loved “I’m still an introvert forced into uncomfortability”…same here! I think our phones have been both a boon and a bane for introverts.

Jessica Wiley

Yes, it’s a darned if you do, darned if you don’t kind of thing! I forgot it at home one day and I felt helpless! Sad!

Britt

Yes and amen. Every time I think I’m going to take a break, I remember all of these things and…just can’t. LOL

Jessica Wiley

Britt, in the words of my students, “Same”! I don’t think I could give it up!

Maureen Y Ingram

What a clever idea for a list!! I definitely relate to, “I’m still an introvert forced into uncomfortability” – phones provide a nice buffer sometimes!

Jessica Wiley

Thank you Maureen! I believe 2021 was the start of my season of uncomfortability and here we are a year later and nothing much has changed, except me slowing embracing it.

Julie E Meiklejohn

So, I hit 50 recently, and I guess the notion of middle age and facing my own mortality, combined with the uncertainty of the pandemic, has been hitting me recently.

Reasons I Want to Freeze Time

Because right now, the girlie’s snuggled in the overstuffed, dilapidated old chair in the front room, giggling at YouTube videos, just far enough from us to have that little bit of independence, but still close

Because right now, my sweetie’s man-cold is just a cold, and I get to nurture him with orange juice and scrambled eggs

Because right now, my mom uses copious sticky notes and text reminders on her phone and only repeats the same question sometimes

Because right now, my 86-year-old in-laws still climb the ladder to trim their trees and share a fierce love with their only granddaughter

Because right now, my son is in a peaceful holding pattern amidst legal battles and struggles with depression

Because right now, my mass is benign and I’m feeling healthy and strong

Because right now, all is well.

Jolie Hicks

Oh! Each lines jumps out with endearing nostalgia! The “man-cold,” the “86-year old in laws,” the repeated questions, the battles and struggles, the benign masses, and the feelings of being okay all push the relevance button. Thanks for sharing and reminding me to be thankful for the here and now and to understand that everything changes; that’s the beauty of TODAY!

Emily Yamasaki

Your poem brought a smile to my face. I love the “man-cold” and the “repeats the same question sometimes”. What beautiful, special moments in this life.

Denise Hill

Wow, Julie. I am torn between sensing the sweetness in all of these relationships, and at the same time the tension and the stress that seems to be an undercurrent. The repetition of “right now” in the context of the desire expressed in the title to want to freeze time gives me a sense of great appreciation for each moment, and then apprehension that we cannot freeze time, and none of these events will be lasting. They will morph and change. And they will end. It is exceedingly sad, but then of course, what makes each moment all the more beautiful and precious.

Denise Hill

What a beautiful mentor poem and approach today, Stacey. Mine is a bit of a gathering of ramblings, my mind somewhat jumpy today.

Why I Cry

at the sound of pow wow drums
because they tether Earth’s children to their ancestors

at the Humane Society fundraising ads
because I am so ashamed of our humanity

when Deadpool is reunited with Vanessa
because even anti-heroes deserve to love and be loved

when a student thanks me for being their best teacher ever
because it means they had so many more who were not

when a student fails my class
because I know there was nothing more I could do

at the sound of John Prine’s voice
because I hate Covid so so much

at each recurring memory of my father
because he was a crier too

Scott M

Denise, I loved so many of these “moments” in your poem, and I’m especially drawn to stanza 2 and 3 at the moment as I find myself getting more and more weepy over similar things, both heavy (shame at “humanity”) and light (clever, well-written/deserved character arcs in movies and TV). So, thank you for this!

Susie Morice

Denise — Beautiful… and each of these choked me up. I’m still pained at the loss of John Prine. I can hear that student tell you how important you are and I, too, feel so bad realizing that other teachers “were not.” Tears are very underrated…there’s something about how they wash over us and keep us real…you capture that. Lovely. Thank you. Susie

Denise Krebs

Denise, you have captured so many reasons to cry. I think your poem is a good place to leave some of your tears and share them with others. This reason struck me hardest today:

at the sound of John Prine’s voice

because I hate Covid so so much

Susan Osborn

Isolation

Because I stay over six feet away from you
I look forward to the day we can hug.

Because I cover my face and eyes
I look forward to the day to let me show my smile.

Because I am afraid to speak or say hello
I look forward to a day of clean air and cheering at the top of my lungs.

Because I stay outdoors
I look forward a time to meet you indoors.

Because I am afraid to join a party
I look forward the day of a big celebration.

Because I don’t go to museums, theater and lectures
I look forward to the day I can walk in their crowds.

Because I attend church virtually
I looked forward to a day when I can worship in person.

Because I am aware of others like me 
I am encouraged we will make things better.

Scott M

Thank you Stacey for your prompt and mentor poem!  And I totally agree, 2021 was just about “365 days too long”!

“List, list, O list!” 
should be on top
of every grocery
list or laundry
list or bucket
(you get the idea),
every play, wish,
or mailing list;
Look, I’d put it
on any
red,
wine, or
blue
list.
I’d put it
on Craigs,
or Angies
or dean’s
various lists,
and every
D-list celebrity
knows it should
front any
maître d’s
guest list.
I’d go so far
as to give
Shakespeare
credit for inventing
the first to-do list
(or, in the very least,
considering what
the ghost is asking
of prince Hamlet,
the inception
of the hit list).

Julie E Meiklejohn

I love this, Scott! Such a clever look at lists! It’s interesting to think about how obsessed we are with lists…the need to catalog and to remember. I had to look at Hamlet again…I’d never thought about the list there!

Emily Cohn

I really enjoy how you’ve played with the word and concept of lists as an organizer of our wishes, from mundane lists to the hit list. Thanks for sharing your word okay!!

Denise Hill

I appreciate the rambling train of thought through language. It’s fun to pun around with the words and sounds, and reading this one out loud makes it even more joyful. It has a nice rhythm to it, a steady kind of back beat that plays in my head as I travel through the lines. The shirt lines are also a creative style that builds that sense of rhythm. Sweet!

shaunbek@gmail.com

10 Reasons (Maybe) to Have 10 Video Streaming Accounts

It was cool to “cut the cable” and join the tech-savvy set. 
Welcome to the 21st Century!

You can save money, they said.

You will have more choices, they said.

It’s an obligation-free preview of what living with dementia must feel like.
Was that show on Netflix or Hulu? Peacock or Disney +? Paramount or Apple?
Which episode did I watch last? Why doesn’t it remember where I stopped?
Whose account did I use? Why is it so hard to search for a title? What’s my password?

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! 
I CAN’T ENTER TEXT LIKE THIS!
I KEEP CLICKING ON THE WRONG LETTERS! WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?

Oh look, another bill? Did someone order a movie without telling me? 
I wanted to watch that one too. Which service is it on?

I think I’m getting charged too much. I didn’t sign up for
DVR, AD-FREE, LIVE ONLY SOMETIMES ON WEEKENDS, 
EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY ON LEAP YEARS, 
WHEN JUPITER IS ASCENDING THE HOUSE OF ARIES

I should probably make a spreadsheet and attach it to my living will.

The Wi-Fi is down? I guess I’ll read instead.

Mary Lee Hahn

Ha! Love that ending!

Jessica Wiley

I can relate to this. It’s funny. I have most of these streaming sites, but I would much rather read a book. I struggle with finding what to watch, but first I have to click on the right profile, but before that oh what is my password? Yeah, I’d rather read a book.

Marilyn Miner

Thanks for the heads up—It does seem like WAY too much to manage. Although, my To Be Read list is a lot to manage, too!

Scott M

LOL. Yep. This checks out! Thanks for writing and sharing!

Marilyn G. Miner

Reasons I Love Hands

Hands first held me
and kept me safe

Hands wiped my crocodile tears
and stroked my baby-fine hair

Hands made molasses cookies
with round balls of dough “just my size,” Mama said.

Hands that scrubbed floors also played Bach
with a gladness heard, but not seen

Hands taught me to knit and therefore to meditate
and be patient for the outcome.

Hands also taught me to embroider and enjoy
bits of beauty on soft fabric.

Hands planted tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and roses
Trimmed lawn and bushes, blessing the green.

Hands that grow wrinkled and scarred by life
Are hands of love.

Emily Cohn

I love this meditation on hands, and the good they do. There’s a sense of innocence and gratitude in the poem, especially for those scrubbed floors and molasses cookies and patience. What a beautiful piece!! Thanks for sharing.

Mary Lee Hahn

Love this! The parts about knitting, embroidery, and planting resonated with me. My mom is gone, but my hands are turning into hers. She is with me even though she’s gone.

Jessica Wiley

Marilyn, I loved this. While I was reading, I imagined the many “hands” that helped me do many things throughout my life. Some of these hands I am no longer able to feel or see, but their fingerprints left an imprint on my heart. I had a sentimental moment. And I just realized that in 6 days will be the 5 year anniversary of my grandpa’s death. His hands made the best greens in the kitchen. His hands made the best noise when clapping and praising the Lord during Sunday morning service. Even when he lost his sight after a stroke, he still had his hands to feel the love.

Marilyn Miner

I can hear him clapping still. Thank you for your response.

Nancy White

Marilyn, I love this tribute to hands. Indeed, they are so much of what connects us to the world and each other. Reminds me of Bill Withers’ song “Grandma’s Hands”. So much love is displayed and held in our hands.

Emily Yamasaki

This beautiful poem makes me want to write “hand” poems with my students. What have they held, felt, experienced? Thank you for sharing this peaceful and lovely poem.

Linda Mitchell

“gladness heard, but not seen” Beautiful!

Maureen Y Ingram

It is such a joy to be back here with OpenWrite! Thank you, Sarah! Thank you, Stacey!

Reasons to Pause for a Moment

Because this world is spinning spiraling 
sparing no pain

Because to think of nothing is a joyous splurge

Because you might notice how the sunlight slips through the small slit
and soaks the room

Because there is much listening in quiet

Because whether in bed or chair or standing still
you will be held

Susie Morice

Hi Maureen — Happy to see you here this morning. Pausing is such a wonderful list idea. I soooo love “how the sunlight slips through the small slit/and soaks the room” …. and the reminder just to listen. Mostly, though, I like the idea of “be held”…that we can pause to feel there IS a presence beyond our own bubble in just holding still. Lovely. Thank you. Susie

Jessica Wiley

Hello Maureen, thank you for the reminder to pause. This is good! I find myself always doing something, moving about, mostly in circles because I forgot something. Sometimes it just best to pause and think, reflect on the now. It could make my life a little less hectic.

Denise Krebs

Oh, Maureen, this poem reminds me again of why you are one of my favorite poets. “spinning spiraling / sparing no pain” Wow!
And when you write about the sunlight slipping through the small slit, it put that image right into my mind’s eye.

And that ending! “you will be held” Just wow! So gorgeous.

Emily Cohn

I love this! Especially the last couplet- there’s a lively sense of security and coziness in this poem. What a beautiful pause!!

Donnetta D Norris

Stacey, this prompt fits a list I made in my notebook on Friday, January 14, after reading and recording one of my favorite Scriptures. “This is the day the Lord has made. [I] will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

I will be glad.
I get to see the 18 smiling faces of my scholars today.

I will be glad.
I get to do what I love – teach.

I will be glad.
My son’s school district is taking precautions to keep staff and students safe by closing until Wednesday.

I will be glad.
This is peace in my home.

I will be glad.
I work with a great team of teachers.

I will be glad.
Today is Fri-YAY!

I will be glad.
I get a 3-day weekend.

Finally, I will be glad.
This is the day the Lord has made. So, I will rejoice.
The Lord don’t make junk 😉 (wink)

Mary Lee Hahn

I love the repetition in your poem, Donetta! And that last line…TRUTH!

Emily Cohn

This poem is a beautiful reminder that happiness is a choice, and I really appreciate the hopeful outlook

Denise Hill

Yours has become my mentor poem for today, Donnetta! I love how uplifting this is and how playful but also poignant in the respect it pays to others and the world around you. Beautiful. Thank you!

Laura Langley

Stacey and Sara, thank you for today’s invitation to write. Stacey— I love the duality of your poem.

Reasons why I get out of bed:

To relieve my bursting bladder
To release the cat from the bedroom’s confines sometime just before midnight
To feed our baby sometime just after midnight
To soothe our baby before nestling him in between us 
To go to work and go through the motions of teaching
To bathe the sleep and yesterday away
To meet a friend for a walk in Boyle Park
To meet the smells of coffee percolating from the kitchen 
To do yoga with Adriene

To reconnect with my world.

Maureen Y Ingram

What a precious world you have described through this list – I remember those baby years, the endless extra reasons to get out of bed during the night, oh my. I really love this line – “To bathe the sleep and yesterday away.”

Jolie Hicks

Yes! “To relieve the bursting bladder!” Preach! I have three puppies whom I must release in the mornings as well. I love how you eloquently write to “yesterday away.” YES!!!! I do yoga with Adriene too. I’m on day 15 of the 30-day challenge she created in 2015. These are all of the reasons! Great connection, thanks for sharing.

Denise Hill

I laughed out loud at that first reason why. I can guarantee you that’s one of the only things that’ll get me out of bed when it’s below zero here (Michigan). But also the sense of duty that is in each one of these, whether fully embraced or not, they do make up our lives. I love how that last line is separate but is about connection, drawing that as an even greater emphasis Fun and thoughtful approach to the prompt.

Emily Cohn

Stacey, I admire how I see right to your heart in this poem. It is lyrical, funny, and feels so true. I also love the line “braiding water” and the acknowledgment that we tried new things and “new normals never need naming.”

I was cleaning out the science posters in my classroom recently, and found one that asked, “Have you thanked a phytoplankton lately?” and I realized I had not. So I’m here to fix that.

Reasons to Thank Plankton

You are beautiful
Strange ocean beasts
with alien shapes
Radial symmetry of flowers 
Tendrils floating like ball gowns in a breeze

You are magic
bioluminescent orbs burst 
a glittering trail behind my kayak paddle
undulating light catchers
You make me wonder

You travel light
From abyss to sunlight
And everywhere in between in 3D
Not even a toothbrush
Or a bathing suit.

You are quiet helpers
Giving us your breath
Supporting us more than towering trees
Base of millions of interactions
They should rename the butterfly effect for you.

You are generous
Asking nothing in return
But the earth to keep spinning,
The currents churning.

You make me think that
though I am small
I can serve, 
be unique in shape and thought, 
and contribute a little light.

Maureen Y Ingram

What an insightful, educational poem! I have NOT thanked plankton before…and clearly, this is an oversight. I love these two lines especially, “You are quiet helpers/
Giving us your breath” – you have illustrated that plankton are truly treasures.

Susie Morice

Hi there, Emily! I love this. You embrace both the levity of finding the poster and the word … and your “toothbrush/swimming suit” (made me giggle) …with the reality of this slice of science! How marvelous is that?! Your images are really spot on… the floating gown…and seeing you skimming along in a kayak with the plankton whirling behind you…aah…that’s lovely right there… and you handed us the hopeful. I needed this poem this morning! Thank you and hugs, Susie

Mary Lee Hahn

This could be a nonfiction picture book!

Brittany Saulnier

Thank you for your poem Emily! I love that inspiration sparked from a routine task. The second to last stanza is my favorite. “But the earth to keep spinning”

Erica J

I love listing poems — they are some of my favorites because they are so simple and yet can be so powerful. Thank you for sharing and the inspiration. I’m going to write this based on my “one little word” this year which, yes, I made a playlist for (I put extra words in parenthesis so that the titles could stand on their own):

Fourteen Songs for a Vibrant 2022 (a list poem)
Wake Me Up
(to the) Light of a Clear Blue Morning
(I will) Rise Up
(in my) Sunday Best
(eager to see) How Far I’ll Go
(perhaps I’ll find that) Rainbow Connection
(or even travel) Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Sunshine (is all I want)
I Just Wanna Shine
(and) Stand Out!
High Hopes
(and) Big Energy
(even if I’m) Dancing with Myself
(this year is going to be) Good as Hell.

Emily Cohn

Erica, I love this list – it makes me want to dance and be vibrant, too! I love that you took the playlist prompt and brought it to life with your words.

Donnetta D Norris

Erica, you are so talented when it comes to creating with words. I love how you composed this not-so poem-y poem of songs from your playlist.

Maureen Y Ingram

Excellent playlist for the new year! You have shared beautiful intentions and hopes through songs.

Susie Morice

Erica — I had fun putting on my musical ear with your poema. What a great idea! You surely captured the high hopes! So inventive! Susie

Mary Lee Hahn

What Maureen said (great playlist)!! I’ll add “If you’re going through hell, keep on going!”

Susan Ahlbrand

What fun this is! And full of vibrancy and positivity!

Erika

I love how you found a way to share your playlist in a poem! You will have a VIBRANT year with those songs as a background. I need a playlist for my word, but I am not so musically knowledgeable.

Anna J. Small ROSEBORO

Thanks, Joy, for reopening the flood gates!

Reasons why I emote?
My husband gets my goat!
He teases me all day long
Often singing some silly song.

Reasons why I emote?
I’ve no reason to put on a coat
Even though it’s freezing cold
I have to stay inside
Because that Omicron’s bold
Not because I want to be fried.

Reasons why I emote?
Sometimes I sit and just sulk
My writing has been on hold
Thoughts stack up in bulk
But reasons should be told.

Reasons why we emote
With Joy when we see OpenWrite?
She gets us going; she lets us vote
And write what we think is right.

So, in spite of some silly song
Or how cold it is all day long
Today we can join the throng
Here on OpenWrite, even with a sore throat
We can write reasons we have to emote.

.

Eden C. Stein

Thank you, Anna, for writing a list that rhymes and lets us laugh in the day! You captured the wonderful feeling I have right now from the experience of OpenWrite and the responses to my writing. You’re writing (all of it) is such an inspiration.

Mary Lee Hahn

Sing it — here’s to emoting…with JOY!

Susan Ahlbrand

Stacey,
Yet another fantastic inspiration from you. And, I love your poem in its entirety but the “like braiding water” simile is pure magic.

Reasons I Need More Vitamin D (or a major life overhaul)

Because smiles don’t perk from my lips
and my wardrobe consists of a heavy dark cloak.

Because moving takes too much effort
and sitting seems like a self-indulgent luxury.

Because thinking hurts
and the anesthetizing lull of sleep holds more appeal.

Because the future seems so far away
and the road to get there way too rocky.

Because I KNOW feeling joy and gratitude are key to life
but my heart just can’t muster the salve of those. 

Because saying these things aloud
makes me realize how scary they sound.

~Susan Ahlbrand
15 January 2022

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Oh, Susan. I feel this deeply. From the dark cloaks of clothing to the energy required to muster movement on a too rocky road. Michigan has an immense amount of cloud cover (today, it is sunny and bright and I am ready to take on the world – or at least an extra load of laundry). I am sending you hugs in hopes that they are a salve for your heart. I am grateful for you and the words you’ve brought to us today (the scary is temporary – trust me).

Susie Morice

Susan — You have captured what I have been wrangling with for these last two (now in the 3rd) years. Your poem has that drip of anesthesia coursing through the lines..the ennui of not moving around…and then hearing it all when you read this aloud and realizing how “scary” it is INDEED. It is real, and that you have captured that so clearly is powerful. You are not alone, my friend! Thank you for sharing this. Susie

Mary Lee Hahn

I think that saying scary things out loud is part of the process of banishing them, or finding a solution to them. So good for you to take this risk of vulnerability!

Stacey Joy

Gosh, Susan, the power and the punch, the reality and the weight, all real for so many of us. Vitamin D is something, right? When my doctor prescribed more vitamin D, I thought that’s great but I’m in “sunny California” so what is the issue? I guess age is the issue, my body doesn’t seem to know it’s supposed to soak up the sun and use it properly. LOL.

But honestly, I embody so much of your emotions and experiences. Let’s resolve to give grace to ourselves and make gentle moves towards helping our bodies along.

Because moving takes too much effort

and sitting seems like a self-indulgent luxury.

I totally agree!

?

Susie Morice

Pace in Times of Covid

Sometimes I pace… 
when I’m on the phone; 
I both love and hate talking on the phone —
rarely love it…
only when I’m talking to someone I hold very dear… 
like an IT person who actually makes sense, 
is patient, 
and who laughs when I blurt 
how relieved I am 
that my computer isn’t dead after all.  

Sometimes I pace… 
because my nerves prang,
my vessels buffet 
not seeing the face at the other end…
I pace in erratic rhythms, 
like a patchy pulse, 
put feet in motion 
to shake myself loose,

because I need to touch the face 
behind that paused voice, to just hold on…
because for all the technology 
that wires together my days wandering Covidlandia, 
there is nothing 
in that morass of mechanization
that even remotely resembles 
touching your hand.

by Susie Morice, January 15, 2022©

Erica J

Susie I love the alliteration and word choice in this poem — especially the phrase “morass of mechanization.” I too pace when I am on the phone and I enjoyed how your poem took unexpected turns — like the conversation with an IT person.

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Susie, I am so happy to have found another who has a love/hate response to talking on the phone! I may even be more comfortable talking to the ITs of the world than people I know. But it’s that ending, the touching of hand, that bridges the morass. Especially during Covidlandia days. Beautiful connections here today.

Stacey Joy

Yes, Susie, we all long to hold hands again. I brushed against a student’s hand last week and apologized! Uggh! I remember when I could hold a child’s hand and it contained more love than my heart could ever hold.

I love this:

because I need to touch the face 

behind that paused voice, to just hold on…

Praying we all can hold on!

Love and hugs! ??

Barb Edler

Susie, wow, I absolutely love the emotional power of your poem. I think we all need a human touch and your poem reveals how that connection is vital in our lives. I also loved how you used words that connected both physically and through technology. I can feel the “erratic rhythms” and the “patchy pulse”. Your incredible gift with words shines through this entire poem! I sure hope these days of Covidlandia will end soon! Hugs, dear friend!

Denise Krebs

Susie, I did a double-take on the title after I read the first two stanzas. I knew I was waiting for a kicker from Susie. And sure enough, the last stanza came and you tied everything together so poignantly. Wow! (And I got a smile out of the person you loved speaking to because you hold them “very dear.” Funny!)

Emily Cohn

Susie, you should do a collection of poems titled Covidlandia! I’d read it. I love the picture you paint of pacing in pursuit of a technical connection, when we get to the end, I relate to that yearning for human connection. I like the pun of “remotely resembles “ but don’t know if that was intentional. Hugs!!

Susie Morice

Stacey — Your prompt is right up my alley, and your poem is beautiful! “Braiding water”…I have to steal that! Your poem hits home…”normal”… omg…when I listen to a plea for normal, I both understand and then I think how godawful it would be to make what has happened in this country normal. Your plea for more love …that right there…that is the heart. Hugs to you from the snowy Midwest this morning. You are extraordinary… nothing “normal” about you. 🙂 Susie

Stacey Joy

Thank you my dear friend! ?

Judi Opager

10 Reasons to See a Specialist

Respiratory issues – DONE
Cardiovascular issues – DONE
Digestive issues – DONE
Kidney issues – DONE
Broken finger – DONE
Wart on chin – DONE
Diabetes – DONE
PAP test – DONE
Blood Clot issues – DONE

Suicidal thoughts
Being sad all the time
Dark thoughts and cloudy days
Feeling trapped in one’s own mind

When are we going to make Brain Health
as important as the rest of the body?

Judi Opager
January 15, 2022

Mary Lee Hahn

What a thought-provoking and important question, made even more powerful by the list that comes before it.

Susie Morice

Judi — I soooo hear this loud and clear. I appreciate how serious your poem is this morning. It’s grey, freezing, snowing, and painfully solitary where I sit this morning, and your poem acknowledges how complex staying afloat actually can be. Trust, this morning, Judi, that you’ve offered up some balm by simply understanding the sharp contrast between “DONE” and undone. Hugs, Susie

Susan Osborn

Oh my gosh, Judy! This poem hits home. I have been goin to doctors for the last week and getting things checked. They always find more than I want to know or describe things in terms I don’t understand and then I worry, worry, worry! You are right about the dark thoughts the come and we think the worst will happen. Brain Health is so important and a Brain Coach would be nice. I need to constantly remind myself to the hope and glory and gift of each day.

Donnetta D Norris

So Powerful and So True! Mental/Brain Health are so quickly overlooked. Your poem emphasizes that reasons it is as important, if not more, as physical health. Thank you.

Stacey Joy

Oh how heart-felt, Judi! Your poem should be on the walls of every doctors’ office waiting rooms. When our Brain Health is good, the body naturally follows suit, right? If only society cared more about our mental wellness.

Your poem hits home. My son recently celebrated 15 months of sobriety and he’s balanced his anxiety meds. He would love your poem! I’ll be sure to share it.

Sending a warm virtual hug your way! ?

Marilyn Miner

The most important call I ever made was the call to a psychiatrist who held the light through the darkness.

Emily Cohn

Absolutely true. This poem resonates with me as an educator and human right now. Thank you for giving voice to such an important issue!

Mary Lee Hahn

Thank you, Stacey. Your powerful poem (“braiding water”…swoon!) and prompt unlocked a poem that has been simmering a long time, looking for a way out.

LAMENT OF THE INSECT APOCALYPSE

For the windshield, coated with bug bodies
cleaned at every gas stop on cross country drives;
For the grasshoppers, cupped in small hands
dropped when they spit tobacco juice;
For the sparrows on Main Street
cleaning the grills of farm trucks;
For the pulsing fireworks of green flashes
above wet ditches at forest’s edge;
For the swallows following the mower on the soccer field
scooping lunch out of thin air;
For the parsley, reduced to stems
by black swallowtail caterpillars;
For the bees, lumbering flower to flower
weighed down by gold in their back pockets;
For the dragonfly, mayfly, stonefly, caddisfly nymphs
growing up underwater in fast-moving rivers;
For the trout in the same rivers
flashing speckled glory;
For the humans, focusing on the big picture,
erasing essential details.

Jennifer Jowett

Oh, Mary. This poem speaks to me and from me. I love the backpocketed bees (a favorite) and all the beautiful yet sorrowful imagery (sparrows cleaning grills). I’ve lamented the reduction of bugs splattered on windshields – there’s not nearly as many as when I was young – I can only hope we stop the erasure.

Susie Morice

Mary — From the title to the last line, I love this poem. The buggie details are just loaded and crisp. I could see you and thus myself dropping that grasshopper spitting his “terbacky” LOL! The image of swallows behind the mower…oh gosh, yes! The parsley stems…that’s me looking at them at the sink just yesterday! Each precise image brings us to the power of “big picture, erasing essential details.” This is a marvelous wake-up poem. Just wonderful when a poem pulls us in to examine not only your perspective in the image but also our role in seeing those important foundational bits that make all the rest of the world worth it. Thank you! Susie

Erica J

I enjoyed the vivid imagery of this poem because I could so easily picture each moment. My favorite part was the last line though — it was so powerful.

Stacey Joy

Mary, I’m grateful that my prompt helped unlock your poem! Totally adore all of it. I’m not sure if I’m more captivated by the specificity and imagery or the fact that you’ve written such a beautiful poem for insects!

The first line sucked me right in because I remember as a child wondering how painful it must have been for the little bugs to die as a splat on a windshield. When we’d return from a 5-hour trip to Vegas, my sister and I would cringe at the blood streaked windshield. Oh, to be a kid again!

For the windshield, coated with bug bodies

cleaned at every gas stop on cross country drives;

??Gotta love it! ??

Linda Mitchell

Those last two lines…yes, lament, lament, lament.

Emily Cohn

Mary, this is so beautiful! Thanks for the reminder to see the little things, and how often our helpers are reviled. I love the image of the grasshopper spitting tobacco juice and the sparrows following the lawnmower for a meal from the air. Yes!! I miss the insects in winter, thank you for your poem!!

Fran Haley

Dear Stacey: What a mighty way to begin the year and the Open Writes, with the power of HOPE. Your poem makes me smile (“effectively teaching remotely is remotely impossible” – truth, that – as well as the mask thing – YES!) In turn, your words move me deeply: We did learn new things; new normals were, and are still needed, and oh, that ending, “new normals never need naming”… I am in awe of that line. Thank you for this inspiration and springboard.

Earlier this year I saw a unique translation of Matthew 11:28-30: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” It grabbed hold of me and won’t let go (and I don’t want it to). I might be writing to it for the rest of my days…

Learning Unforced Rhythms of Grace

How do I learn them, Lord?
Let me count the ways…

Listening for your voice
in the cadence of my days

Seeking to still my spirit’s
frenetic beating wings

Perceiving the song
all of creation sings

Releasing judgment, 
not mine to make

Finding forgiveness daily
in a flow of give and take

Honoring hidden pain and scars
accrued in life’s syncopated race

Opening my arms, my heart
as one small resting place

Valuing the story
pulsing though others’ veins

Knowing in the end of it all
story is what remains

Desiring patterns of peace,
their prosody of erase, embrace

Believing I am capable of learning
unforced rhythms of grace.

Susan Ahlbrand

Fran,
I love this! I love the rhythm and the sound, but I really love the couplets of wisdoms of why grace is so danged important.
Thank you for this. I may hang it near my desk at school

Stacey Joy

Hi Fran, thank you for bringing me to a quiet space in your poem. I almost felt like I was in the midst of a prayer as I read it. Matthew 11: 28-30 is a sweet reminder of how we can lighten our loads and rest. The unique translation “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” speaks to me. I seek to show more grace everyday but I also need to go with the natural flow, the unforced rhythms. Yes!!!

I’m storing these lines away in my gratitude journal!

Finding forgiveness daily

in a flow of give and take

Gorgeous!
❤️

Anna J. Small ROSEBORO

Fran, it’s beautiful to read out you are working through application of Scripture that you read. You remind us that it is a life journey and “honesty is the best policy”, especially in the lines. When we acknowledge our pain, we usually are better able to endure them.

Honoring hidden pain and scars
accrued in life’s syncopated race

Kim Johnson

Fran, these unforced rhythms of grace are tough – and yet so desired. The very things we want from others are so often the things most challenging to extend. These lines really spoke to me

Releasing judgment, 
not mine to make

Finding forgiveness daily
in a flow of give and take

Opening my arms, my heart
as one small resting place

Non-Judgment, forgiveness, and acceptance – I imagine a world with more of just these three unforced rhythms of grace would make a huge difference in how deeply we love! Beautiful – as always!

Linda Mitchell

Beautiful, Fran. I love the idea of releasing judgment. I could use a measure or a few of that.

Eden C. Stein

Thank you, Stacey Joy. Teaching with a mask is worse than a hot flash…I think we have stopped seeming human to our students because they do not see our faces. This is my first time posting and here is my poem:

Things I Gave Away or Lost and Will Never Get Back

The softest white blanket with a lace border and mint ribbon my mother made for my first baby

The wool sweater I knitted from English wool my parents brought back from their trip

My mother’s leather coin purse filled with quarters for the laundry

A gold necklace with an oval shaped cage charm with a pearl inside I got when I was 12

A garnet and moonstone charm crafted by a dear friend from stones passed down

My grandmother’s gold flower ring

Another gold ring my brother gave me with a peace sign

A chunky lavender hat my daughter knitted from wool my sister-in-law bought at a farmer’s market

A white hat I knit with flecks of pink

Hours I spent getting high and letting my life pass by

A man who looked like Billy Gibbons, drank too much and really loved me.

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Eden, thank you for joining us this morning. I love the textures found within your words, the knits and lace and wools. I am struck by the love of hand-worked items, the lavender hat and baby blanket and charm, as well as the labor threaded through your piece (I can hear the laundry quarters within the leather purse). It’s your last line that returns me to your title as I wonder if he was given away or lost.

Sarah

Eden,
The arrangement of these lines from object to sensory description is incredibly concrete, stable and yet returning to the title, they are not so. That tension, I feel throughout. Still, the white space in between the lines welcomes more, a story that may want to be told but may rest in silence, too. So much here. Thank you for sharing your writing.

Peace,
Sarah

Emily Cohn

Eden, your poem resonated with me because I know that feeling of man, will I miss this if I give it away? You’ve captured the things that stick with us. The images of each item you describe are so specific, and each item listed sounds precious and meaningful. Your last two lines made me smile in recognition and were wistful, beautiful. Thank you for this!

Kim Johnson

Eden, welcome to 2022 and a group of writers who join hands with you and feel these losses alongside you. You are among friends who know this brokenness and the angst of loss and regret. I think of your precious pieces of jewelry that are gone and wish we could sit in a quiet corner with a cup of coffee and talk. I, too, lost most of my jewelry in 2021. And I
had to forgive someone – and I had to reimagine the lives of each piece having a new chapter beyond the velvet sections of my own jewelry chest. Friend, we can cry together first and then feel blessed and smile. And then, somehow, we can laugh again together, knowing 2022 will bring healing!

Linda Mitchell

I love all the sentimental items that lead to that all important great loss in the the last line. Powerful stuff! Well done!

Mary Lee Hahn

I recently wrote about an item I’ve lost, so your list really resonated with me. The specificity of your images, and that ending. Wow.

Fran Haley

Eden, I recently wrote of the aching over a couple of lost things. I sense the same loss and mourning in your list poem, even as the vivid images captivate me. Never expected that last line – just wow – it is perfect, for in the end it is people over things that matter most in life. I love this poem.

Susie Morice

Edén — In a very particular way, your poem resonated with me. I read it a few times and each time loved the list as it made me think of some of those very similar treasures both little and laden with weight, especially the whack of the final line. It feels both tender and raw. I’m glad you are here writing this morning. Thank you! Susie

Susan Ahlbrand

Eden,
Well, I am sure glad that you mustered up the bravery to post. This poem is so brilliant. The first bunch of lines list so many vivid images of THINGs, items that were important but slipped away. Then, you end by switching gears on us . . . and sharing a PERSON that must have gotten away. Wow.

I hope a future poem dives into Billy.

Stacey Joy

What a grand entrance and a stunning poem for your first time posting here! Wow! I am enthralled by your poem, your memories, and the precise images I was able to create from each item.

I loved this because I vividly recall my grandmother’s coin purse:

My mother’s leather coin purse filled with quarters for the laundry

There’s so much to love and I’m grateful for your presence here with us for Open Write!

?

Anna J. Small ROSEBORO

Welcome, Eden. You will find this a welcoming group that offers you opportunities to experience both ways to write poetry, by writing together, and about ways so many of us experience similar responses to life, and when we don’t have same experience, we remain open to hearing and learning with and from one another.

As I read your poem, I feel your loss, but also believe you have learned from writing about these “giveaways”. I was taught, and I share with you, when you get and give, the Lord will bless you with to receive what you need. You sound like a generous lady who shares your talents and belongings when you believe they will others joy. Continue.

Join us each month. You’ll be excited to see how many issues we write about, release and let go!

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Stacy, braiding water. Yep. Yep. You’ve done it. Perfectly captured the impossibility that 2020 was. But it’s those last two lines that speak so loudly. And powerfully. And continue to resonate. Thank you for offering us the chance to think through lists in a new way, a creative one. And thank you for sharing your gift of poetry today.

Ten Reasons to Continue

Because one word is a pioneer
And others will follow.

Because in an expanse of grass, sprayed into uniformity, dandelions sprout
And fields of wildflowers still exist.

Because in a world of artificial light, we can still see stars
And myriad more are hidden in black depths.

Because faith and science can live simultaneously in the same space
And so can we.

Because Rosa Parks and Lydia Taft and Sacagawea and Marie Curie and Junko Tabei
And you. And me.

Sarah

Jennifer,

This line has me stopping to read and reread:

“Because in an expanse of grass, sprayed into uniformity, dandelions sprout
And fields of wildflowers still exist.”

And then thinking of the people named and referenced in this poem as pioneers, I see these beings as “sprayed into” spaces they are needed and capable of sprouting in whatever the landscape offers. There is something so moving to think of pioneers partnering with the land to grow something beautiful.

Sarah

Emily Cohn

Jennifer – each couplet was a beauty. You’ve captured this notion of exploration, perseverance, wonder, wildness, hope, acceptance of new ideas, and the strength of women. I am struck by the idea of words as “pioneers.” I had to look up some of the women listed in the end, and I’m glad I did. Thank you for this!

Kim Johnson

Jennifer, your lines here need to be proclaimed from every rooftop across the world today:

Because faith and science can live simultaneously in the same space
And so can we.

Amen and amen and amen, with conclusive results!

Congratulations again on your new book! I’m just so thrilled for you and share your excitement! Yet another reason to continue!

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Thank you, Kim. I am blessed with so much incredible support and yours means a lot!

Linda Mitchell

Hooray! You have stars in this poem. That makes me happy. And, I love how you show how paradoxical things and ideas can exist together. Faith and science. Amen and Yes!

Mary Lee Hahn

Oh, wow. That first stanza…and then all of the stanzas. I can’t even pick a favorite!

Fran Haley

Jennifer – you had me with “one word is a pioneer/and others will follow” – speaking to the power of just beginning, taking that first step in faith (I see it applying to writing as well as to speaking words of encouragement to others). Your list of women, the perfect embodiment. I absolutely love the sense of “seeing beyond” in your poem – beyond uniformity, beyond the artificial or superficial, to profound mysteries hidden in depths. All reasons to continue, indeed. Incredibly powerful.

Susie Morice

Gosh, Jennifer — You have so much depth in this poem… you really are a marvelous poét. “one word is a pioneer” — Oh beautiful! The “artificial light” against the power of “stars”… indeed! And calling upon us to think AND instead of OR in “faith and science”…think of how that could change the world! The hope brought to the last line…well, girlie, this is a great January start of a new year. Thank you so much for the hope here! Love this and you, Susie

Susan Ahlbrand

Jennifer,
What a great poem! Love these lines so much

Because faith and science can live simultaneously in the same space

And so can we.

Stacey Joy

Thank you, Jennifer, for this spirit-filling and hope-inspiring gift! I fell in love with so many lines I dare not copy/paste the whole thing! ?

I will savor:
stars, black depths, wildflowers still exist, faith and science, Rosa and Sacagawea!

Brilliant!

Linda Mitchell

Stacey, what a wonderful prompt! Thank you for the Kwame Alexander poem. I know that it will get tucked inside of Father’s Day cards I send this year. I so appreciated reading your bio. My state has elected a new governor that shows signs of shutting down social justice…and I want to stay connected to those who continue the journey.

My one-little-word for this year is star. So, I immediately brainstormed with stars in mind.

Ten Reasons for Star Gazing

Because curiosity is not overrated.
We don’t actually know everything.

Because we make sense of constellations with story.
our first language.

Because you and I have not yet run out of wishes.

Because stars do not judge gazers.
All are welcome to adore.

Because every one of our atoms began in an exploded star.
We are made of star stuff.

Because we still navigate our way across oceans and skies
We still use stars to get to Never-never land.

Because they are there even in day.
The sun is also a star.

Because we year to touch what’s out of reach.

Because it is the one place our piece of puzzle
interlocks with the piece next to ours in the univers.

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Linda, we both found inspiration in stars today. It’s not possible for me to choose a favorite line from your words today. Every time I land on one, the next follows and halts my thoughts and expands them all at once. What a beautiful way to share our expansiveness within the universe.

Eden C. Stein

The consonance and physicality of “navigate our way across oceans and skies,” juxtaposed with how the same stars bring us away from reality to the never-never lands of our imaginations reminds me of all the purposes that can be served by the same thing! Thank you for this.

Emily Cohn

Linda, WOW! You made me curious about the one little word concept, so that sent me down a rabbit hole of wonder for a while, and now reading your poem, I am just in awe of how you’ve run with this idea of stars. You’ve woven the science of stars (love the Carl Sagan quote in there!) in with the idea of story-telling, and how we interpret these universal puzzles is so precious to each of us. I just finished reading “When Stars Are Scattered,” which this poem reminded me of. Thanks for the reminder to look up.

Kim Johnson

Linda, your OLW for 2022 is a magical word. I think of the drinking gourd and its power to lead to freedom. I also love that your word can be a common noun, a conceptual noun, AND a verb! And it can have proper nouns associated with it, and can be used to award a hotel – (and your poem) – a maximum five-star rating! I love that it can be the center of a universe and that the light that we see emitted is light years old that has traveled to our eyes and is not the same light wave we will
see the next night.
These lines make me smile:
Because we still navigate our way across oceans and skies
We still use stars to get to Never-never land.
This line makes me smile bigger:
We are made of star stuff.

Oh, Linda, we are indeed – and I wave to my mama up there leading me as people made of star stuff will do, here and in Heaven.

Mary Lee Hahn

Of course you went with stars! I love this line most of all: “Because you and I have not yet run out of wishes.” I need it today after the poem that gushed out of my pencil…

Fran Haley

Sheer beauty in every line, Linda. I bask in every bit of starlight. “Stars do not judge gazers” – phenomenal. We have not run out of wishes – indeed. My word (for the second year in a row) is “awe,” which is about recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves, beyond ourselves…your poem is full of inherent awe and we so need reminding of it, to keep ourselves open to it. Your poem does this – thank you!

Erica J

Somehow this poem made me love the stars and night sky even more. I love each line how it balances the beauty and awe of the sky for the reader with the mystery and science behind it as well. I loved this!

Stacey Joy

Linda, we have much to learn from all the love in the universe. It’s there to teach us, if only we’d be better students, right?

My favorite line is:

Because you and I have not yet run out of wishes.

Keep wishing, believing, dreaming, and shining!

Thank you for this gift of a poem!
???

Denise Krebs

Linda, what a fun word–Star. Like Ox before her, I’m sure you will be blessed in 2022 with Star. Some of my favorite images from your poem are these:

Because we make sense of constellations with story.

our first language.

Because you and I have not yet run out of wishes.

Because stars do not judge gazers.

All are welcome to adore.

Kim Johnson

Stacey, I can’t think of a more powerful duo to begin the 2022 Open Write than you and Kwame Alexander. You are two of my favorite poets to read! Beginning 2022 with a list poem reminds us that poetry can be free of rules and forms – it’s breath and thought and heart all blended in expression. Your poem grabbed me most right here:

Because normal held hate and harm
And new normals never need naming”

The alliteration begs to be read aloud and proclaims truth – and hope for a better year. My one not so little word for 2022 is listen, so I made a starter kit of some ways I’ve discovered I can listen without using the word hear. Thank you for investing in us as writers!

A Starter Kit of Ways to Listen 

  1. Pray
  2. Meditate
  3. Observe 
  4. Watch 
  5. Read
  6. Write 
  7. Tune in 
  8. Think 
  9. Reason
  10. Heed
  11. Feel 
  12. Look
  13. Worship
  14. Mind
  15. Pause
  16. Follow
  17. Sense 
  18. Play
  19. Concentrate
  20. Anticipate 
  21. Dream 
  22. Hug
  23. Reflect
  24. Notice
  25. Ponder
  26. Plan
  27. Embrace 
  28. Teach
  29. Learn
  30. Change
  31. Travel
  32. Obey
  33. Care
  34. Empathize
  35. Believe
  36. Seek 
  37. Attend
  38. Consider
  39. Accept 
  40. Reach  
Linda Mitchell

How wonderful! I swear I didn’t read your poem before I posted mine. LOL. I love your o-l-w for ’22. And, such a beautiful ways to listen. I need this list. I need to keep it handy when I get stressed out and want to explain too much.

Jennifer Guyor Jowett

Kim, there’s mindfulness within your list, and capacity without end (who knew so many ways of listening could be found? And what an extraordinary exercise to use with student writers too) I imagine writing this became a meditative act in listening to oneself. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to listen in with you today. I loved starting my writing day listening to you.

Eden C. Stein

I love the way as I move down the list travel, seek, and embrace become known as ways to listen. What a good reminder for us today!

Emily Cohn

Kim, my heart is opened by this poem. I found myself considering every word because you made me think about listening in a new way. Oftentimes, I think of it as an act of openness and receiving, and you have brought real action to it in the words travel, teach, change, plan, tune in, and attend. I am inspired! I appreciate the intention behind this and might print this out to put by my teaching stand.

Emily Cohn

Kim, I am inspired by this poem! You helped me to think of “active listening” in a specific and beautiful way. You made me think that we really show people we are listening when we “change, teach, attend, reach, embrace, plan, notice, follow.” I just might print this out and put it on the wall by my desk. Thank you for this!

Sarah

Oh, Kim! Love all these one words that each can be the word we hold onto, that others are also holding on, and that if we just work on one in this moment or for this year, that will be enough, well, there is that word, too. Enough. I think it is Margaret Simon’s word.

Thank you for this reflection.

Fran Haley

Kim, I love how you framed your list poem as a starter kit for ways to listen! Genius idea. Has me thinking now of all sorts of starter kit poems… and what a list this is. Every word powerful unto itself – with “pray” topping them all. I think this is a list I will keep on my desk at work… thank you for the light you always bring!

Mary Lee Hahn

Wow. Each word in your list begs to be its own poem!

Judi Opager

Kim, I intend to post this on my “Think About It” wall – excellent!

Stacey Joy

My friend, you have given us 40 options for listening and I LOVE THEM ALL! You’ve also given us 40 more possible “one little word” choices for the next 40 years. LOL. It’s inspiring and encouraging to think about all the ways we can really listen, listen with care. Thank you!

I need to pay closer attention to what I’m listening to with these 4 words:

Dream

Worship

Pray

Meditate

?

Denise Krebs

Beautiful, Kim! I love all these words. It is making me consider the importance of listening, just reading your starter kit. What a great idea.