Thank you for joining us to write this November. I hope to see you at NCTE. This is where I will be: If you have teacher-friends and writers who would enjoy our community, please invite them to sign up for December with the wonderful Glenda Funk!
Inspiration
A nonet is a nine line poem. A nonet can be written on any subject and rhyming is optional. The poem starts with a line that has 9 syllables in it. The second line contains 8 syllables, the third line has 7 syllables ,and it continues to count down to one syllable in the final line (ninth line).
Guidance: Need an idea for your nonet?
- Search images. Tell a story or describe what’s happening in a nonet.
- Write about your favorite food or drink. Describe it or tell a story of where/when you enjoyed it in the nonet.
- Is there an issue in the world that interests you (e.g., education, family time, access to water, protecting coral reefs, war, poverty, racism, police brutality, politics, immigration, global warming, guns, freedom, refugees, gender)? Capture the issue in a nonet – who, what, where, why.
- Look at the news for an idea. Click here, and whatever is on the front page, write about it (or click around).
Sarah’s Poem
This is the article followed by my nonet: https://newsela.com/articles/syria-chemical-weapon-attack/id/28950/
Sarin gas breathed in or touched cripples
human’s central nervous system.
The dark side of science when
chemicals kill not heal
weaponized by men
to suffocate
our children
for what?
Land?
Want to read some novels in poetry form? Here is a source of some great verse novels.
Post your writing any time today. If the prompt does not work for you today, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Please be sure to respond to at least three writers. Below are some suggestions for commenting with care. Oh, and a note about edits: The comment feature of this blog (and many blogs) does not permit edits. Since we are writing in short bursts, we all are understanding (and even welcome) the typos that remind us we are human.
I love pushing against syllable counts and/or rhyme schemes. By the time I get my idea to conform, I have looked at my subject from multiple angles, considered all sorts of words that might have worked. This is based on a photo my son sent me today.
suspended in azure sky my son
secures his ropes to the ski lift
paused mid-lift rescue begins
working dog is harnessed
blessed working dog
the two descend
dog and man
set to
save
Melissa,
What a precious visual this poem created for me. Love the “azure sky my son…” I pray the rescue was successful! Beautiful work done by son, dog, and mom!
“YAK ESCAPES BUTCHER” (Newsela, 11/14)
Meteor, the yak, almost made it.
Enroute to butcher, he bolted.
Fast trot to mountain escape
Two grand of “Meateor”
Traps were set for naught
Run, Meteor!
Hubris won
Car-yak
Crash.
…No more Meteor.
(I couldn’t find anything that grabbed me, and then I saw this article. After I wrote the poem, I read the others. They all carried such feeling and tenderness, and I’m writing about an escape yak. Hmmm.)
Oh my! This echos my students today reading “Animal Farm” and wanting so badly for Boxer to escape the knacker! I love how the narrowing of the nonet reflects poor Meteor’s narrowing options.
Piece of Me
I miss and remember with all of my heart.
I try not to give into and start,
Crying tears of sad, happy, mad, missing.
Dreams of each day, hugging, kissing.
My confidante, teacher, supporter, friend.
There was an end.
Can’t go through.
Have to!
Mom
Tricia, I appreciate how you used the prompt (nonet) to get you started and then used what was in your heart to guide your poem. I feel your longing and loss in this poem. Hang in there.
Nonet
World Kindness Day should be ev’ryday,
not something we have to be told.
We are made of the same flesh
whether we’re young or old.
A small gesture can
go a long way.
Costs nothing
to be
kind.
Hi, Rita! Love your use of apostrophe here to make the meter work. I also really like how the form emphasizes fewer words toward the end to help us slow down and see
to be
kind.
Me too! You had me from ‘postrophe! 🙂
Rita — Such a good reminder of the ease actually of being kind. If only more people practiced this1 Thank you for that reminder! Susie
Mr. Rogers would be so pleased to see how you written a nonet to honor him and remind us to be kind. Your small gesture of kindness is going a long way!
I thought the same thing! Thank you for using this nonet to focus this simple (yet urgent) message.
November 14, 2019
Children spiraled into the school yard
Doors banging open, rat-a-tat
Hands up, single file, straight lines
He put one to their heads
This was not a drill
This was not a…
This was not…
This was…
Not…
Such a sad commentary on our society. Your poem really hit home today.
My heart is broken. I appreciate how the nonet offered a form to show the tragedy in a fragmented way. The ellipses look like bullets here. Ugh, I don’t know if I will ever look at ellipses the same after seeing them here alongside the image of “children spiraled into the schoolyard/doors banging open, rat-a-tat”
Oh wow, I didn’t think about the ellipses as bullets, but you are so right. This is why I love reading poetry in a community. We build on each other’s interpretations.
Agreed on community reading and response. My view of ellipses is forever changed as well.
Jennifer such a strong reminder of how we live today.
Jennifer- there is power in this. Your ending, the fading-out, gave me chills. With your permission, I would like to share this with my students.
You may certainly share it. (Had my first active shooter nightmare last night – I’m surprised that didn’t happen sooner).
Oh my! I read the first three lines thinking this was a poem about how we force kids into school structure (single file, straight lines)–and then was met with the horror of these compliant children confronting the terror of our time. Ending on the word “not” was…
perfect.
I appreciate your thoughts on the last word. I kept going back and forth between “not” and “This.”
Sarah, your poem brings tears to my eyes. It brings to mind the reason my husband left Monsanto Chemical Company. When he learned they were one of the chemical companies made Agent Orange, he, a veteran who had served in the Pacific Rim, could not in good conscience use his Veterans Bill funded education to work for a company that was killing his brothers in arms.
How sad, we don’t have the wisdom to use our knowledge of science to kill rather than to heal.
Anna,
Thank you for sharing this perspective and introducing us a bit more to your husband. The dark side of science and modernity needs more attention and intervention, indeed.
Anna — I so respect you and your husband’s decision. It has pained me that Monsanto (a big St. Louis employer) continues to be a part of this kind of production. I toured a division of that campus some years back and was so disturbed by the vocal “bottom line” discourse of the scientists who met with us… ethics mattered not a whit, but “bottom line” sure did. Hats off to your hubby! Susie
Writing again on scraps of paper, I found a little inspiration and wrote over the lines in my copy in red so they stand out more when it inevitably makes it to my corkboard. I highly recommend looking up pictures of old “crossed” or “cross-hatched” letters because they are beautiful.
“Crossed Interlineations”
I have become like those of old who,
in order to preserve paper,
write in and around and through
the margins and lines of
a page, opposite
the previous
direction.
Wordy
mess.
Eliza,
Years ago there was a video of a palimpsest online. I don’t know if it’s still there, but your poem speaks to the idea we write and “write over” as we tell and retell stories. It’s a lovely way of thinking about how we give voice and find our own voices, how we “write in and around and through.” I’d love to see your cork board.
I love the word “interlineations” – it’s beautiful, lyrical. The line “write in and around and through” weaves a infinity pattern in my mind as I read the words. Wordy mess this is not!
I have some letters written by my great grandmother that used exactly that method. Thanks for bringing back a memory long forgotten. Your words painted the picture beautifully. Love your last two lines. “Wordy mess”. This could be applied to so many situations!
I have never heard of this! What lovely, empirical art! Thank you for a poem that invited me to think not only about the idea of cross-hatched letters, but also about how our stories are always layered on others’ stories.
Nonet
Why does it seem difficult to be kind nowadays?
Compassion, empathy, understanding, and grace seem long gone.
Why? Don’t we know better by now?
Hurt, pain, and anguish are seen
just about everywhere we look.
It’s just not right.
We must rebel!
We are
Humans.
That’s a message that needs to be preached every morning in every school. I like the opening with the question and the ending with Humans. Grace needs to be a more prominently taught vocabulary word in our society. Right on, Mo!
Mo,
You can probably guess I think one reason for the conditions you describe is current leadership. Silas House made a comment on Twitter today about the way people pile on individuals at times on that platform. It’s human nature to offer “hurt, pain and anguish” to others when we’re feeling those emotions. Thank you for being a light of kindness in our world,
When I first thought about writing about kindness I went right to current leadership and the kind of culture that has been modeled and encouraged. I just couldn’t make myself go there though, because I didn’t want to give it more power, if that makes sense. I’m still trying to go higher!
I LOVE your line ” we must rebel”. So very true. It’s hard to understand all of the hate.
I like how you broke from the strict 9-8-7-6…syllable count but still retained the narrowing, focusing aspect of a nonet. You rebelled! <3
Thank you for this opportunity today to release something heavy. My daughter is battling depression but does not recognize it as such. My son and I tried to talk to her (he’s recently been in therapy and doing well), but she thinks she’s just in a phase and that it’ll pass. I believe it’s definitely worse than that so I’m praying we can help her seek help. She’s 28. Please add her to your prayers. Thanks!
A Nonet for Noelle
My daughter has not been feeling well
Quiet storms waiting to reveal
something deep inside that hurts
Smothering her sweet heart
Depression muddies
the joys of life
and makes her
not want
help
Stacey,
As one mom to another, I know the anguish of watching our grown children suffer and wanting to help. Your poem is honest and vulnerable. It’s an honor to be her w/ you and among this group of poets who trust and nurture one another.
Thank you so much Glenda. We definitely have a gem here in this group. So thankful to be here.
Stacey, your poem brings tears to my eyes for sad and glad reasons. The strong verb “muddles” describes both. The sad of course is the depression your daughter is experiencing, and the glad is the love this poem exudes. So glad you’re there giving her that as the family stands with her through these tough times. The Christian Scriptures say, “Love conquers all.” Keep the faith, my dear, keep the faith.
Amen! Keeping the faith because He sustains me and my daughter. This too shall pass. Thank you Anna.
Those quiet storms are so hard to watch in those we love. I hope your daughter won’t have to muddle through this for too long. Sending prayers and healing thoughts.
I appreciate your prayers and encouragement, Mo. 🙂
Stacey, I love your honesty and your transparency of sharing about depression. That phrase, “muddies the joys of life” is so accurate for describing depression. I’m praying your daughter will feel empowered to seek help and that she knows that there is a world full of color that she will be able to see again.
Thank you and amen!!
Oh, depression does muddy. I hear the mama’s voice in “smothering her sweet heart.” I love the word choice in “quiet storms.” Hugs.
Stacey thank you for sharing. Depression is such a difficult thing to watch and feel helpless with a loved one. You are a wonderful mom ! Prayers to you and your family.
Thank you, Tricia. The helplessness sucks!
Stacey – I’m sending healing vibes you your daughter and to your whole family. Depression is a very real state, and I’m glad Noelle has your loving support and can absorb your strength. Holiday times can exacerbate those too-quiet moments, so stay strong. Hugs, Susie
Thank you! I truly appreciate your hugs and encouragement.
Sarah — I was truly moved by your nonet this morning. Sarin gas is so godawful….that anybody ever even “invented/discovered” it and created a war tool with it is an abomination. The provocative meat of your poem literally gets me stoked… we learn so much in so few words and it is delivered with a voice that is clear and demanding. The “for what/land?” carries a real gut punch. I just love such a strong statement. At first, I was not sure what to do with a nonet, but your mentor poem made me a believer. This is a profound demonstration of understanding of a wicked concept — I could see making a nonet a “performance event” [i.e. testing — which I loathe, BTW] option for students conveying their understanding of complex political concepts. Thanks for another rockin’ poetry inspiration. Susie
One thing I’ve known about my writing (especially this month) is how I tend to imagine a moment or sensation in my life and I use words to grip the reader by the arm and drag them into the scene with me. I’ve spent the last six months traveling – I worked at a summer camp and now I’m finishing up my student teaching. Michigan to Texas and now to Africa. I looked at Sarah’s prompt where she said favorite food and immediately I thought about tuna-noodle casserole that was made every time I requested it. So simple yet so comforting. Please enjoy my poem and I can’t wait to see y’all next month.
I think of the mid-west signature;
though my travels have taken me
far, I think of Velveeta
cheese melting on noodles.
Cream of mushroom soup
thrown in the mix.
Dinner is
now served.
Home.
Kindra – COMFORT food indeed! Velveeta….ahhh, now that takes me to a particular point — the soft, gooey sensation and the history of it in my own growing up. In 9 lines and 45 syllables, I am now totally hungry! Well done! LOL! I look forward to hints of Africa in upcoming posts! Be safe! Be happy! Susie
Kindra,
That first line “I think of the mid-west signature.” This resonated with me right away because I grew up in Illinois, the mid-west, and now I live in Oklahoma. In Illinois, I never thought of OK as the mid-west but all say it is. Velveeta and cream of mushroom and casserole were all part of my IL upbringing. I wonder if people in OK eat casserole with Velveeta.
Love this. See you in December.
Kindra,
As one Midwesterner (Missouri) to another, I miss the days of tuna casserole. Like Susie, I am hungry after reading your poem. The specific ingredients—Velveta, Cream of mushroom soup—make me think of the variations on this iconic comfort food. Do you too your tuna casserole w/ crushed chips? ❤️
Another Illinoisian here. My first thought was that you must have been rich growing up! We could never have afforded Velveeta, so mom just piled on those extra potato chips. Y favorite line is your last one- it’s like a mic drop.
One of my favorite meals. It does feel like home. (And so does chipped beef on toast and macaroni goulash). The image of melting Velveeta is practically palpable. ( did you put peas in yours? We did.)
“poco a poco maestro,” gyn,
a little mexican boy, says
to his teacher when he can’t
say what he wants to in
english. “llevo dos
meses.” he tries.
that has to
count for
something,
right?
Kekai,
Such a tender poem that speaks on behalf of the multitudes who don’t speak English as their first language. Beautifully validating of the human souls we serve.
Kekai — Yes, it does, indeed, “count for something”! Such a simple kindness….patience and slow down when kids need you to take the time. I love the sensitivity of this. Thank you! Susie
Immediately I thought of Coco the Disney movie because of the song, “Un Poco Loco” and as I read on I was drawn in by your use of Spanish to emphasize the disconnect between the student and English as well as English readers and teachers and their students. “llevo dos meses” is beautiful because the little boy is trying to say he’s been here for two months (I think) and the end you’re asking the rhetorical question “That has to count for something, right?” absolutely beautiful.
Right. That counts for something. The punctuation and line breaks really mimic the sentiments in this poem. The language looks fragmented but when I look at the poem as a whole, I see the shape in total, I see the scene as a whole.
Kekai,
This takes me back to my first teaching job in Yuma, Arizona and my students’ code-switching. I loved listening to the back and forth, the juxtaposition of English and Spanish. It’s a lovely poem that captures the beauty of language acquisition.
I can practically see the little boy. What a loving poem. And I love the ending. Everything counts for something…
My Week
Yesterday I asked my schedule, why?
You falter in the art of no
Exhausting my sanity
Limiting my freedom
Pulling my patience
RSVP?
Yes, I mean
No, I
Try
Stefani —
I love this poem, especially the last four lines. They are so sharp. And relatable too.
This is my calendar every single day – – I, too, ask WHY? Exhausting, limiting, pulling – – those words ring true and create the sense of burden we all feel.
I think this is the tale old time of those of us who have eternally huge hearts. We struggle to say no and want to stretch ourselves thin and the last line where it says “try” I think is powerful to choose as the last syllable. All we can do is try.
Stefani — Resonates! “No” is a burr that digs in on me too. I just came from a conversation with my Dutch friend, and this is exacting what we were talking about…that haunting incapacity to say “no.” I appreciate that, at the end, you point to the value of “I try.” I reckon it’s a lifelong battle, but at least we keep trying to find balance in the demands that beat on our doors. Thanks, Susie
Yes, I mean
No, I
These lines resonate deeply with me. The uncertainty. The ambivalence of (and I am projecting) want to please everyone, not wanting to disappoint while knowing I am maxed out.
Stefani,
Your money captures the paradox of modern life: with all the conveniences we are so over-scheduled. I like the idea of directly addressing the schedule. The progressive verbs “Exhausting, Limiting, Pulling” keep us moving, further emphasizing the over-scheduling.
As one who has had a reminder to combine all of her calendars for the last 3 months, I’m sure my schedule is starting to ask me why. But when it starts “exhausting my sanity” I remember that there’s no shame in saying “No” when you need to.
My dogs Puck and Snug love yo bark and chase squirrels, which is what I caught them doing this morning. My Nonet is from their point of view.
“Morning Squirrel Chase”
Adventure begins in our back yard.
We see that tree conceals a squirrel
We’ll bark, jump, and force it down
And play our game of chase.
We watch squirrel scurry
Along our fence.
Furry friend,
Rodent
Bait.
—Puck and Snug (Mom took dictation.)
Glenda, what fun! Also see the extrapolation that one being can be viewed in multiple ways: good, bad, bait!
Any poem that begins with the word Adventure is a poem for me! Add dogs, and it’s close to Heaven. If those dogs are teaming up for mischief, that’s a bonus, and if a squirrel is renamed Rodent and Bait at the end……that’s just right where I want to be, watching. So fun to see Puck and Snug writing in verse today as you translate their words for us. I love me some adventure seekin’ dogs.
Glenda — I like the whole notion of dog talk. I might have to borrow that! And I LOVE the “Mom took dictation.” Delightful! Susie
Glenda,
This is so cute! Little do you know I have major puppy fever and I can’t wait to adopt a dog when I get home. I like the little note at the end where it says (Mom took dictation) and how you wrote it from the point of view of Puck and Snug. I also like the adjectives used to describe the squirrel: furry friend, rodent, bait. Cute poem!
A Nonet Recorded by SETI
People-stars stare back at those who look
Up. Curiosity orbits
Like comet tails streaking skies
With new conversation.
“Anyone out there?
Yes?! Out where?! Oh—
Well, until
Someday,
Hey!”
Ashley, I like how you’ve used SETI’s pov in this and added dialogue. Maybe someday or maybe already???
I agree with Stefani about the viewpoint choice. I love the image of curiosity orbiting.
Ashley,
The dialogue is very effective: “Is anybody out there?” I really like the simile comparing curiosity to comet tails. Lovely.
Ashley,
Love how the nonet form works with this scene of “up.” Your use of punctuation gently guides me in making meaning as I read the words and into the marks of ?! and — and ” utterances. Thank you for writing today!
Sarah
Untitled
Morning starts a cold and grisly gray.
Is this how it will go today?
Then his smile, it warms my heart
He brightens my day start.
Lighter it now looks.
“Go read my books?”
“No, please stay.”
Let’s play!”
“‘ “Kay!”
Anna,
“Cold and grisly gray” has a crispness to it that gives me the sensation of cold. Isn’t it wonderful how a person can change the atmosphere of a day? The dialogue offers a beautiful glimpse into your world. Lovely.
Anna —
I also love the dialogue at the end of your poem, it is so real and sounds like a real conversation. Your second line is also impactful “Is this how it will go today?” I think we all ask that as soon as we wake up sometimes. I am happy to hear that your morning explained here went better than the weather.
When it’s cold and grisly gray, that’s the best kind of book day! I love your rhyme scheme and your moment shared. Kinda makes me wish I were home with my books instead of working today.
Stay the course, Kim. Time for reading and play will come soon. For now, set aside ONE DAY A WEEK for play. That will make workdays more productive. From one who’s tried it both ways.. I was a workaholic, until my husband reminded me, “If you are sick or dead, they just hire someone else!” Ouch!
Thanks, Anna! That’s great advice. I agree – – ouch to the hiring replacement, but oh, so true.
Anna – The dialogue brings us right alongside “he” and I wonder.
Sarah,
The things poetry can do and say amazes me. Your nonet is a masterpiece of poetry as argument. I love it. The reality that these chemicals have been “weaponized by men” reinforces the reality women are underrepresented, and that we’re all better off when women set policy and are in positions to hold corporations accountable. BTW: I’m reading “Invisible Women” and am hopping mad about the way men have constructed the world in ways that hurt women and children.
I am adding that book to my list! Thank you.
I just added it too.
Sarah, thank you for your poem this morning. I cannot stop thinking about the line, “the dark side of science” and what that means to our future and where we are today. Rattle publishes poetic responses to news stories of the week–just for future reference.
INDELIBLE SMELLS
Hot tar, hot day, stuck behind the truck.
Burning hair – cat, candles: bad mix.
Watty’s breath, post rabbit turds.
Cigar smoke, old fat cat.
Corporate pig farm.
Texas feedlot.
Skunk in face.
Bad egg.
Lies.
EQUALLY INDELIBLE
Gardenias, Mama’s favorite flower.
Chanel Number 5 on my neck.
Red bush roses on the fence.
Musk of a storm petrel.
Gingersnap cookies.
Yeasty warm bread.
Puppy paws.
Clean air.
You.
–Susie Morice
Susie,
How clever to write two moneys w/ contrasting scents. I remember those pig farm smells, but I bet the corporate ones are ten times worse. I really like the argument embedded in your first poem and highlighted by “lies.” I can smell the gardenias, Channel No. 5, rain, ginger snaps, bread, and puppies. You’ve given us a feast of scents. I’m grateful.
Simply sensual, Susie!
I have a thing with smells and you capture all of these “indelibles” beautifully. I truly enjoy your writing. Hate for the week to end.
Whoa! Sensory detail abound! “Burning hair–cat, candles: bad mix” What I really appreciate about nonets that you demonstrate here so well is the attention to syntax, capitalization and punctuation in each line. Crafting these as imperatives and declaratives, periods at the end of each line, advise us how to read each line, articulate the rhythm. The pace is quick with an economy of words, but the sensation and meaning is still rich! Love it.
Susie,
My favorite line is “lies” as it tricked me but is so true. I also like how you have two nonets to support the theme.
Susie, your poems remind us of the powerful ways that olfactory memories evoke such emotions. Thanks for showing us the way, to consider more than just sight and sound when we seek to recreate, in words, experiences we want to revisit or share with others.
I love the contrast in two separate nonets, Susie! This is genius! You had me at Watty. A dog gets my attention like nothing else…. and I can so relate to your words. We live in the country with chickens, pigs, skunks, cows, rabbits, trucks and tractors, and all those great sensory experiences. I love a gardenia, and I love the smell of roses and gingersnaps…..oh, what a lovely adventure your verse is!
Susie, thank you for a fabulous week of inspirational writing prompts! You have been encouraging and pushed us to try new forms. I’m so thankful for this group. This is the air I breathe!
Can’t wait to meet my fellow writers
from our group of encouragers
We are true community!
Can we present next year?
We could change the lives
of others who
breathe through pens
like we
do.
Kim,
“Breathe through pens” yes! I love the connection to our community of teacher writers. You made this piece seem effortless! Beautiful, this “group of encouragers” we are!
Kim,
Yes! I hope we can present next year. I’ve been thinking about it as I prepare for NCTE. This week each month lifts my soul. “Breathe through pens” is the most glorious phrase describing writing. Your poem has me shedding a few tears.
Great idea. We’ll have to publish a collection we can sell to underwrite the cost of travel by those of us who are on reduced incomed due to retirement. Kiddin’? Not really. I’d be glad to collect and assemble the collection if others consent to help with formatting and editing.
We can do this! Maybe not get rich, but share what we’re learning together and earn enough for a meal when we get together. What say you?
Kim and Glenda – do you want to take the lead on putting together a proposal? Perhaps starting a shared doc? I also have a big idea to share. Should we try to make a “date” for coffee at NCTE this year to talk?
Yes! I’m presenting Friday from 12:30-1:45 and then Saturday from 4:15-5:30. I’d love to meet up for coffee for SURE! I’ll definitely work with Glenda to get a shared proposal document going if she’s willing. I’m so glad you are open to this. Your creation of this community is the best thing going!
Kim, I feel like you are begging us to communicate in nonets or another form of verse going forward (rather than narrative responses:)). Could we do it? Thank you for this form of communication and connection to this group. I will be at NCTE this year, maybe I’ll meet you there.
Stefani B,
I sure hope so! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in this group who is there. NCTE is like an ocean for fish who swim reading and writing – – I love being surrounded by so many literary minds.