Welcome to Day 2 of the March Open Write. If you have written with us before, welcome back. If you are joining us for the first time, you are in the kind, capable hands of today’s host, so just read the prompt below and then, when you are ready, write in the comment section below. We do ask that if you write, in the spirit of reciprocity, you respond to three or more writers. To learn more about the Open Write, click here. Pledge to participate in April’s #Verselove here.
Our Host
Stef is an Associate Professor of Education at Aquinas College in Michigan. She teaches courses for pre-service and inservice teachers in instructional design, literacy, ed tech, and research methods. Her K-12 teaching was in California prior to moving into teacher preparation. She is an ISTE Certified Educator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, Apple Teacher, Microsoft Innovative Educator, and an Adobe Creative Educator. She promotes the authentic integration of technology into human-centered pedagogy. @stefboutelier
Inspiration
I recently saw how poet Amy Kay was inspired by this quote:
So, what if, instead of thinking about solving our whole life, you just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.
-Rainbow Rowell (from her book Attachments)
From that inspiration, Amy Kay wrote this poem:
This inspired me to write my own “Pile” poem. Then through this cycle of inspiration I turne this Pile of Good Things poem into a digital image.
Process
Today, I welcome you to write a Pile Poem (preferably of good things) and turn it into a shareable image with this template:
Here is my poem:
hugs
snuggles
from my kids…getting too tall
but always welcome to block my vision
remembering the kindness in humanity through
eye contact, hugs, face-to-face conversations; fresh food,
my dog sitting on my toe; the sunshine in winter, homemade guacamole
peanut butter and chocolate anything; relaxing with my family on a Friday night,
nowhere to go, in my robe; traveling anywhere new; friends reminiscing about old stories
new invites; newborns falling asleep in my arms; ignoring everything else to finish a good book
Here is my poem as a digital image:
WHY TECH?
Visual representation in this form is easier to share out to audiences as a JPG, PNG, Meme, pic, etc. Students can print out, share out, remain anonymous, and be proud of creating and applying a digital representation of their creativity.
Your Turn
Make a copy of this: Pile Poem: Canva Template.
*Tip: Claim Canva for Educators to get premium options
Follow the prompts on the Template then share out below. (See the how-to GIF below.)
OR just share your Pile Poem below if you aren’t feeling the techy bit today.
Friends
Girls
And boys,
Kind, caring, loving
Coming to visit with treats and flowers
To have coffee or special Crimean meat pies,
Listening to my endless stories and sharing theirs,
Spilling the most intimate secrets to the safe deposit,
Selflessly helping with words, things, and benevolent deeds,
Becoming my close family, when family is far away across the ocean,
Crying with me when words don’t seem enough to comfort my hurt heart,
Or laughing when there is nothing more to lose and crying doesn’t bring relief.
Leilya,
I’m so glad you came last night and posted. I love the feel of this poem, because I am a frim believer that family can be those you choose not just those you’re actually related to. I can relate to your line “Or laughing when there is nothing more to lose and crying doesn’t bring relief.” I often say I can either laugh or cry and laughing helps me lighting my mood.
Thank you for sharing today.
I know this is a day late, and many won’t see it. I was so busy yesterday but I really wanted to try my hand at this style. I would typically just send it to my two poetry writing partners and not post here, but I felt the need to share.
Hug
Smile
Winter mittens
Full mug of coffee
Warm Fuzzy slippers
Giggles from little ones
Catching snow flakes on ones tongue
Snuggling my soft puppy, listening to a movie,
Napping midday, wrapped in a sherpa lined blanket
Big family dinners when everyone comes, cooking for hours
Baking cookies to gift with love, time spent with DIL in the kitchen
Teaching them to enjoy what I love, gifts from the heart, not big box store
DeAnna,
This is SO you! I love the sharing of love that is the running theme. Nicely done.
So glad you circled back to this and were willing to share with us all. The italics feel like a little nuzzle at the beginning leading us into piles of giggles, snow flakes, naps, cookies. Love it all. And that last line contrast perfectly with all the big box stores lack.
Sarah,
One year I took a break from baking, my nephews were not happy with me. The liked their gifts but really wanted cookies instead, so now I just bake for them. I might throw in a knitted hat or slippers.
DeAnna, you are not alone! I, too, couldn’t post yesterday although i did write it before falling asleep. I love all of your pile, but the sound of “winter mittens” in your poem is special; it’s like an inverse kind of rhyme to me.
I was wondering where coffee would make it on your list 😉 This pile poem really emphasizes your heart, cozy feelings, and familial love.
This was so fun–I loved having the time to stop and notice the good things in my life. Here is my poem!
Journals
Books and pens
Other people’s stories
Friends who listen and rant
Refreshing water to satisfy my thirst
The crocheted hippo from my grandmother
A comfy bed with pink pillows and a soft comforter
Shelves of books that are loved and books to read
Clean and cozy crew necks, Bomba slippers with stripes
Framed pictures of college friends and an encouraging letter from mom
A pink lemonade Bath & Body Works candle to smell and relish as I read and think and write
Larin, so happy to see your poem here! It is wonderfully and positively filled will daily joys. “The crocheted hippo from my grandmother” is precious. I also like that candle, that we can smell with all the details.
Laura, my favorite image ” The crocheted hippo from my grandmother” made me smile thinking of the “scrap quilt” my grandmother made, and sleeping under these decades later makes me feel like she’s cuddling me! Thanks for the fond memory in your pile of good things!
Hi, Anna! So cool that you still have and use the quilt your grandmother made you…grandma cuddles are the best!
We need to hear more about the hippo!
I love where the last line leaves us. It’s full of possibilities.
Larin, I am intrigued by your crocheted hippo, sounds adorable and thoughtful. Thank you for creating with us.
Larin,
Your poem makes me want to curl up in a comfy corner with a book or a journal to write in! What a deliciously relaxing Pile Poem!
Larrin,
I’m reading you poem and now I’m thinking of so many things I forgot to add. I love that you have a crocheted hippo from your grandma, I have two crocheted blankets from two different grandmas. <3
Thank you for sharing.
Pile Poem
By Mo Daley 3/39/23
Weekend
mornings when I sit
with dogs in my lap in a
quiet house on a comfy chair
with a pot of tea and the so, so rare
silence that allows me to read a book or two
before the sun rises, the husband rises, and my blood
pressure rises as I start to think of everything that needs to
get done, but then I sit a few more minutes, just relishing me
That weekend pile of time for you is so wonderful, Mo. I love the “but then I sit a few more minutes, just relishing me” — that seems just the right prescription.
That series of “rises” tickled me! I love how you subtly worked rhyme into the poem. This is such a fun little manifesto.
Mo, your poem reminds me of the importance of quiet time. I love my quiet time, getting to curl up with a good book or my Bible (I have a “perfect spot” on my couch for such times), but it’s hard to make time for myself when life gets busy! Thank you for this reminder of the importance of quiet time and relishing silence and peace.
OMGosh Mo! I seriously had a mouthful of tea as I read the line about the sun, the husband, and the blood pressure rising – and I just about spit it out onto the computer screen! LOL!!! You have most perfectly described my mornings, and why I say I hate Sundays so much – because it means the weekend is over. : ( But I read Cara’s poem, and so today, I am also filled with gratitude for what lies ahead. A great combination of poems to read to get my week started. Thanks!
Mo, thank you for joining and I love the “rare/silence”–how hard it is to find this these days. Have a good week!
Ohhh, I felt the momentum of your poem and your surroundings progress through each line. I loved the slow easiness in the beginning and how you returned to that pace by the final line.
🌷
Mo,
What a lovely visual poem. I love those rare quite mornings when I get to “relish me.” However unless my husband is sick, I’m never up before him. I am a night owl, he is an early riser. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the fun prompt. I loved piling up my good things.
Books,
journals
and pens and
markers to write with.
Hand-stitched blankets
to cover me with warmth and
memories.Green wine glasses, Royal
Doulton China, and milk glass platters
adorning tables, ghosts of the past joining
present festivities. Sweatshirts, hats, and t-shirts
representing the universities that shape my children’s
futures. A phone that connects me to family through texts,
calls, Facetimes, and photos. Shells, sharks’ teeth, and sea glass
to remind me of the ocean waves and sandy shores that promise peace.
Photos of the past, memorializing the moments that have shaped our family.
Heather, I love the connection to memories, being wrapped in them, phones that make them, photos, and moments. Thank you for joining today.
Heather, so many wonderful objects of memory you have gathered into this poem. “Hand-stitched blankets” and the dishes as “ghosts of the past joining / present festivities.” Beautiful poem, and the edge is so nicely piled up. 🙂
Heather, like my comment after reading Larin Wade’s pile poem, yours evokes fond memories of the hand-stitched quilts we “inherited” from my grandmother. During her life, we didn’t treasure it because we thought a blanket from Sears was better. In our later years, we realized the time and skill, the creativity and love required to make something out of leftovers that retained such warmth for so, so many years! Thanks for the memory.
Heather, with your descriptions I feel like I can see everything you are talking about, especially “milk glass platters” as I have some that were passed down from grandmothers. They are so pretty! I love that you talk about how these objects represent or reflect your family, too–that is sweet and refreshing. Thank you for sharing!
Lattes.
Iced cappuccino.
Blood orange gelato.
Hot coffee with Italian cream.
Cherry blossom tea with a dollop of honey.
Cool mountain stream running alongside the dusty switchback,
Where we hike under a canopy of lodgepole pines and quaking aspens.
Then stop for lunch in a lush meadow dotted with violet butterflies and yellow columbine,
Resting our trail-weary legs atop a lichen-covered granite boulder, warmed by the sun’s mid-afternoon rays.
Shaun, I love the sensory appeal and imagery throughout your poem. You captured my attention with all those delicious drinks, but your end is so striking. I can just feel the war sun while resting on a boulder. Plus, that lush meadow…mmmmm…gorgeous!
Shaun, thank you for sharing this experience with us today. I am loving the image of “lichen-covered granite.”
Shaun, I’m with Barb and Stef here! I was pulled in by the details of the drinks in the beginning and wowed by the serene, picturesque “lunch in [the] lush meadow” at the end. Thank you for this!
Shaun, what a sensory rich poem. It could be a mentor for appealing to the reader’s senses. I’ll have a cup of “Cherry blossom tea with a dollop of honey,” please.
The imagery in this is crazy good! The turn that you make from the delicious sounding drinks to the imagery of the trail is unexpected and really compelling.
Pile Poem
hot water cornbread
sitting next to collards
on a shiny ceramic plate
on a drizzly Sunday afternoon
maybe there will be fried fish or
chicken wings or perhaps today might
be a meat-free experimental kind of day
black eyed peas, brown rice and tomatoes
also adorn the circular food dish and an ice
cold glass of sugar sweetened lemonade round
out the perfect meal. No dessert needed today.
Seana, no dessert? bummer;) This sounds so delicious and I like you added additional elements like the plate, weather, etc. Thank you for sharing with us.
Seana, I just finished my supper, and now I’m thinking I might be hungry. I sure could go for a glass of lemonade. Mouth-watering poem!
Seana, what a lovely peek into the food at your house. There are some great added details “ceramic plate”, “drizzly Sunday afternoon”, and “an ice cold glass of sugar sweetened lemonade” It makes us there and ready to eat!
Seana, I wasn’t hungry at all! Then I read your poem! You’re evoking piles of memories of piles of beans waiting to be washed, then soaked, then rinsed, then slow-cooked for hours! I realize I’m not really so hungry for the food but for the times spent with the folks who cooked it. Thanks for the memories.
Seana,
Um, what time is dinner?? YUM. You paint a wonderfully mouth watering picture here!
Stephanie
I agree “hugs” and “snuggles” are good things. Those are moments that mom’s cherish forever.
I love Amy Kay’s spoken word poetry. I find my students really connect well with her poems as well. I tried to use the template but I had too many lines.
Saturday
morning quietude
coffee, my favorite mug
sweet smell of cinnamon rolls
memories of my mother’s dumplings & pie
blustering winter days, snowflakes on eyelashes,
hot cocoa, marshmallows, tiny cold fingers I kissed warm
sidewalk chalk, sprinklers, daffodils & rain, fat wiggling worms
the shade of the maple tree, a sandbox where my children played
shovels and buckets everywhere, floating bubbles, questions and curiosity
a lemonade stand from where my children shouted “Get your lemonade! 50 cents!”
books I wish would never end, poetry that makes me weep, lullabies and nursery rhymes
and bedtimes stories before you sleep, decades later long walks in the park, trekking up
hills, pausing for rest at the summit and looking down, reminiscing at how far we’ve come
dining out & dining in, sweet visits from my children now grown,laughter conversation into the nights,sipping wine from long stemmed glassware, mismatched antiques, the only ones remaining from great grandma, listening to music, wishing these days would never end.
Tammi, I am getting all the feels of summer from this poem. We are still far from spring up here but I hope you are heating up wherever you are. Thank you for sharing today.
Tammi, you’ve captured so many wonderful things. I love the peacefulness of your opening and all of the wonderfully warm things that pile up after your opening. Your end is perfect….”wishing these days would never end.” I can feel the joy and the love.
Tammi, how did you do that? All the weavings within the poem of your children at various stages is perfect, and then to the antiques that belonged to your great grandma…”wishing these days would never end” You have created another poem rich in the importance of time.
What a lifetime of joy and love captured here, Tammi. I did not have the privilege of raising my own children in this lifetime, but this brought back so many memories of my own childhood – and why sometimes I call my mom just to tell her thank you for raising me. I love the mix of concrete and abstract – the questions and curiosity and the double meaning of “reminiscing at how far we’ve come.” I see the whole-life movie reel running as I read this. I hope you’ll share it with your kids!
What a lovely inspiration! Thank you, Stef!
writing
laughter
my family
warm cookies
quiet time alone
the touch of his hand
running through woods
voices of my grandchildren
wondering what birds are saying
handwritten letters in my mailbox
sitting on a porch and listening to wind
watching the world turn from grey to green
time to explore and see and reflect and love
Maureen,
I’m thinking of all the poems you’ve written that are echoes of this lovely pile on poem. The lady line is a perfect summary of the good things you love.
Maureen,
I love the line “handwritten letters in my mailbox”. This feels so nostalgic. I can’t remember the last time I received a handwritten letter in the mailbox.
Maureen, the power of handwritten letters in a mailbox will hopefully not be lost on the youngest generation. Thank you for sharing today.
Maureen, I love the process of your poem, the opening action, the sounds, the tastes, the touch of “his hand”. It all piles so sweetly to your closing line “time to explore and see and reflect and love”. Priceless!
Maureen, I love many of these things, too! “[W]riting / laughter / my family / warm cookies”….I’m just repeating every line at this point! Thanks for writing and sharing this!
Watching the world turn from grey to green and handwritten letters in the mailbox…..enough to put smiles on our faces with the promises of Spring….and warmth.
Maureen, that is a beautifully symmetrical pile of beautiful lines. “wondering what birds are saying” and “handwritten letters in my mailbox” are my favorites.
Oh, do you know what I mean? Not symmetrical, but perfect little stair steps.
Walking
Talking to hubby
Listening to our children
Playing with the precious grandkids
Reflecting on life’s blessings with gratitude
Praying that God will help, heal, and whisper advice
Celebrating the beauty of nature, the joy of family and friends
Sleeping, peacefully, beside the person I’ve loved for five decades.
Rita, love how the pule builds toward the final line of 5 decades, what a wonderful pile of love you’ve created together.
I love how your pile builds! We have so much in common. Playing with precious grandkids is one of my greatest joys in life!
Rita,
“Reflecting on life’s blessings with gratitude” — So powerful and such an important message to remember.
Rita, thank you for joining us today and sharing. I like the catharsis of walking leading to reflecting on life’s blessings.
Rita, I love the action throughout your poem. The final line shows love and commitment!
Sleeping peacefully…….beside the person you love……just those words alone bring such comfort and relaxation.
Thank you, Stef, for prompting us to consider and create. Actually, it was therapeutic and put spring break in perspective.
Here is another version of the same:
Spring Break
over too soon
deserved naps came
first. Then a dive into
the movies nominated for
best picture. Next a trip to see
a son and get his place in order,
discovering his newfound passion
for vinyls and for David Bowie, who
would have thought? Home to wash and
clean and make lesson plans for the first
of the last nine weeks. A day off with the one
I love to see the latest local exhibit – Rembrandt
to Monet. A day of serving others in our community
which brings us to Friday and attention to family medical
needs and a visit with the aunts. The final days to grade writer’s
notebooks, put air in tires, get a booster shot, and wash yet again.
Along the way we ate and walked and talked and rested and we are ready.
Thank you for offering a second version of this fabulous list, Katrina! I love the stylistic look of your ocean wave in the tech version, but my eyes were failing me for the words, lol. Your spring break sounds fabulous, and you are coasting now – “first of the last nine weeks” Yay!
Katrina,
Your poem turned out really cool on the template. I also loved the way it looked like a wave. I’m on spring break now and looking forward to catching up on sleep, chores and grading as well. Your son has great musical taste. Love your last line: “Along the way we ate and walked and talked and rested and we are ready” — sounds like it was a wonderful spring break!
Katrina, you’ve shared so much here. I think it is fascinating how much we learn from our grown children. They are always full of surprises. Good luck returning to work tomorrow. I’m glad you were able to squeeze so much in during the break.
Katrina, isn’t spring break just the most wonderful thing next to summer? Time. Time. Time to do the pile of things we love. Talking, serving, attending, naps, movies, trips, it’s just all so nice to be able to have the freedom to enjoy some personal time.
Katrina, I am glad you were able to use this form in multiple ways. Good luck transitioning back into reality.
Hey, Steph! I’m not as facile with Canvas, so I went the old-fashioned way and used PPT! Here’s my pile of slush for today’s open write. You’ll understand!
MOMMY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Cold
Cold weather
Cold weather sweater
Cold weather sweater whether
Cold weather sweater whether I need it or not.
A cold in the head, with that yucky and sticky snot.
Cold weather sweater makes me long for summer heat.
Ah playing outside all free without sweaters can’t be beat.
Don’t need heat from a sweater, when we have heat from the sun.
Free from bind of wearing a sweater can be oh so much more fun.
What makes it fun to be out in the weather and not need a sweater?
No more deer and turkey tracks. Ah but the geese and the birds return.
The squirrels and the rabbits skitter and hop. Get out of here snow. Just stop!
For now in a sweater, I look out of the window and wish for a nice cold *pop!
*Soda, tonic, coke, or sodi wadda, depending on where in the country you live!
I love what you have done with words in your pile of good things. I, too, love a cold weather sweater, but cold weather, not so much. I’m from Ohio, and ‘pop’ is our word. But, I’ve lived so many other places that soda is my word now. Enjoy your pop if you should indulge.
Love how the top of the pile is cold, and it is as if you are releasing yourself from this – with a firm foundation in lots of beautiful imaginings of non-cold fun, including pop! My favorite line – “Don’t need heat from a sweater, when we have heat from the sun.” Ah, yes! Just stop, snow, just stop!
Anna,
Love the rhythm and rhyme of your poem. I agree “Cold weather sweater makes me long for summer heat.” Even though we’ve had a mild winter here in Cleveland, I’m ready for spring and a “nice cold pop!”
Anna, yes, I know exactly where you are coming from today….over the teasing and returning. Although I am not excited about the geese returning to my backyard. I like how you split the words and your image and the b/w increase the humdrum feeling of this time of year in MI. Thank you for sharing.
Stef,
Thanks for pushing us into playing with technology to enhance our poems. Canva is so great and so easy, but I do need lots of time playing with it. My heart is heavy today, so I didn’t create a pile of good things.
Pile of Grief
love,
family,
complex
relationships.
my sister-in-law
make that former
died last night of cancer.
I went to tell her goodbye
even though their marriage
abruptly ended two decades ago.
They prioritized their two kids so she
steadily stayed in our sphere of contact.
Law made us family but when the law ceased
to make that relationship legal, love is what kept
us bonded . . . sisters-in-love who never lost connection.
I’m so glad I made the trip to say goodbye. I held her inflamed
hand that was covered with scabs and looked in her barely-opened
puffy eyes. I kissed her cheek–more bone than flesh–and told her that
I loved her. I assured her that my parents would be the first to welcome her
Home after her tired and sick body finally submitted to going to the other side.
Her kids are left to grieve her loss. My brother is left to regret many things, but
all who knew her are celebrating her life filled with love and energy rather than the
thinking about the two years of treatments, hospital stays, and wasting away to nothing.
Her legacy is littered with failed relationships but oh so much fun and even more free love.
~Susan Ahlbrand
19 March 2023
Oh Susan, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your grief with us here today as it is so fresh. You beautifully build the essence of your relationship with her and her memory. Your use and repetition of “law” add power and multiple meanings that still pull out many emotions.
Susan,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. What’s a piece of paper compared to living bonds. “love is what kept
us bonded” is the best line.
What a touching poem and beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for you loss. I, too, have a sister-in-law I still love deeply in spite of divorce. Bless you!
Susan, my heart goes out to you in this loss. A pile of grief – how fitting. Your poem is profoundly beautiful for the great love it contains and in the celebration of your “sister-in-love’s” life. This is a magnificent tribute.
A pile of grief, indeed. So very sorry. But I am glad for her (and you) that there was oh, so much fun…
Susan, this was a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry to hear about your former SIL — and your friend, more importantly. I hope that time brings you healing. <3
–Wendy
Gosh, Susan, my heart breaks. Cancer is evil and I have had more than my share of loss from it. I feel the pain and anguish in your poem, but moreover, I feel the loving gifts her life left with you and her family. Deeply sorry for your loss and immensely grateful that she gets to rest easy and pain-free now.
Sending love and prayers of comfort.
💟
Such tenderness in “love is what kept/us bonded” – you are blessed to have had this treasure of a relationship with your sister-in-law. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your grief with us.
Susan, I want to add my condolences on the death of Ann. What a beautiful poem you have written honoring her here today. The Canva slide is gorgeous, and the description of her and your time with her helped us join you through your words. Sisters-in-love is a beautiful thought.
Susan,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You poem is so beautiful —
“love is what kept/us bonded . . . sisters-in-love who never lost connection”
May your beautiful memories of your sister-in-law bring you comfort.
Susan, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your pile poem and Canva image shares the spirit and love you shared with your husband’s wife. Remembering the good times and the impact a person has is so incredibly important. Thank you for sharing your grief and love through this poem.
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were sisters (in-law) through and through, and despite the divorce, love kept you family. This is lovely, and I’m sorry that your heart is hurting. Hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan. Thank you for sharing these memories of Ann with us in this tender poem.
Susan,
I’m very sorry for your loss and your grief. This is a beautiful elegy. You bring the memory of your sister-in-law into vivid focus.
I love this prompt and the inclusion of Canva for beautifying our poems and providing a creative way for students to share their writing to new audiences on social media. I decided to take a more specific path and created a pile on of recent international travel experiences. Maybe I’ll do an intermountain west one later.
Pile of International Wanderlust Joy (2019-2023)
Thailand
Temples Buddhas
Elephants sticky rice
Iceland waterfalls sheep
Green mountains Blue Lagoon
Ice caves Jokulsarlon lagoon glaciers
Diamond beach hiking family time whales
Costa Rica rainforests turtle nesting pineapple
Tiny frogs waterfalls exotic birds fruit markets ocean
Breezes volcano hikes lush vegetation medical care clinics
Greece Ancient Agoda sea caves Santorini caldera Cycladic dwellings
World Heritage Sites Parthenon sunshine hospitality museums history windmills…
–Glenda Funk
March 19, 2023
Glenda, I love how you individualized your image and your pile is would be a dream travel itinerary in 4 years.
Does your order have any connection to your favorite experiences?
No. The order is most recent to longest ago. Greece in 2018; Costa Rica in 2021; Iceland in July 2022; Thailand in February 2023. Upcoming: Scotland and England in August-September 2023. Lots of domestic travel along the way.
Wonderful! I now want to go pack my suitcase!
Glenda, gorgeous!! I think this should be in a book of poems about travel! Your experiences should be shared world-wide!
Living your best life!🌺
Love how you honed in on your international travel, Glenda. What a pile of good, joyful experiences you have had!
Glenda, the way you wrote so many shorthand versions of these joyful memories and experiences with no commas in this piled up international wanderlust poem shows the joys bursting from the seams. And actually in the image, literally running off the page.
Glenda, your Canva image adds a wonderful backdrop for your amazing adventures in Thailand and around the world. I love the rich sensory details from the color of the mountains and water to the tiny frogs. What a perfect way for you to share the beauty and wonder you have experienced! I’m very curious about the ice caves.
Glenda . . . I love this. All the places you pile on . . . I have travel envy!
The Canva image you create is gorgeous!
Glenda, I love the word wanderlust…..and I love the dandelion look that adds so much to the traveling on the wind feel that is felt in the mood of the poem. This is lovely, especially those ice caves. But you know I love those elephants, too. The list is filled with good things that come of travel and getting a sense of place.
Though I’ve worked with Canva a bit before, this was a different task and I learned a lot. Thank you for the practice! This was a fun prompt!
sleep
flowers
a calm mind
reading books
energy for days
snuggles with my dog
time with my grown sons
long walks in sunny nature
a mind free of needless pressure
students who love to learn (I’ve got that!)
weather that gives me enough sunshine and rain
a clover lawn that flourishes without needing to be mowed
positivity dust that can be sprinkled as necessary on the weary
memories of laughter, love, and carefree times with my tall boys
before the silence of empty nesting descends and I find new projects
and new directions to channel my love into something that feeds my soul
for isn’t it about continuing to learn, continuing to step forward into the many
opportunities that present themselves–taking those chances and trying new things
are what make us feel the spark of inspiration and the joy of living in a vibrant, full life
Cara, thank you for sharing today and I am loving your line about “continuing to learn…present themselves.” Isnt’ that one of the reasons we all return here:)
Cara, I’m surprised “purple” wasn’t officially on the list, but I see your background color choice “shows” it 😂 I love the ending and the message. Thanks for sharing!
Cara, you had me laughing at “a clover lawn”. Your ending is invigorating and hopeful.
This is so inspiring to me today, Cara! I will carry those closing three lines with me today as a way to start my week – open and welcoming! I also loved the line “time with my grown sons” – that alone speaks to such a wonderful lifetime of challenges and love. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Cara,
The graphic is gorgeous and your poem is too! I loved these lines:
I need some of that positivity dust to get through the school year!
☮️
Cara,
I know your dog enjoys those snuggles as well. I’m envious of your clover covered yard. I’ve told my husband that is what I want, he is not buying that idea. Glad you have students who want to learn, not just those who feel forced to be there.
Thank you for sharing.
Stef, thanks for another great prompt. This was a great exercise for me to help me get in the right headspace this morning. Thank you! I especially like this image at the beginning: “but always welcome to / block my vision.”
Books,
Fat snowflakes,
and a good night’s rest.
Sunday morning dog snuggles
paired with freshly brewed coffee (or tea).
A street lined with cherry blossoms during spring.
Audiobooks from the library, so you can listen for free.
Running slowly, steadily, on nature trails and in neighborhoods.
This Anna’s hummingbird drinking sugar water outside my window.
My family huddled around a crackling fire under a sky of endless stars.
Rachelle,
love these images!
Oh, Rachelle, that crackling fire under endless stars sounds like a lovely good thing. Cherry blossoms. Dog snuggles. So much goodness here. Beautiful image you created too.
Rachelle, a good night’s rest is one I need to add my list! Also, it is shocking how many people don’t know you can get free audiobooks from the library, I feel like I tell someone that every week. Thank you for joining and creating today.
Rachelle,
So many beautiful images and wishes here! We’re a little behind this year because of the weather, but I can’t wait for “A street lined with cherry blossoms during spring.” Lovely!!
Great imagery combines to create a good pile to relish.
All so peaceful! I absolutely love your graphic with the flowers.
Rachelle,
I love cherry blossom lined streets. I have an old cherry tree in my yard, I so love the pink petals and then the pink “snow” that covers the ground. Not everyone in my family loves it like me. I too enjoy Audiobooks from the library. thank you for sharing.
Stef, this was so much fun. I love the challenge of coming up with good things. There are so many, but we often don’t take the time to really think about them.
Donnetta’s Pile of Good Things
family
friends
coworkers
acquaintances
Princey-Poo-Poo
hugs from my students
peanut butter…natural and chunky
Siete chips and cookies…grain-free
coffee and expresso in the same cup
“I love you, too.” from my teenage son
text messages from my adult daughter
phone calls from my out-of-town husband
notebooks and journals and pens…OH MY!
awards and rewards for dong a job I love well
my passion planner, along with its infinite possibilities
weight training with Camp Gladiator and 5K races once a month
picture books, middle grade novels and Twitter #giveaway
mercy, grace, forgiveness, and salvation from Jesus who paid the debt I owe
Donnetta, I like the imagery in your Canva design with the rocks stacked one on top of each other. How fitting for this prompt! This line felt particularly relatable to me: “notebooks and journals and pens…OH MY!”
Donnetta, I too love the OH MY line Rachelle mentions. Stationery supplies are one of my favorite things. 5K races monthly–that’s impressive. And “hugs from my students” another of my favorites too. Lovely Canva creation too.
Donetta, thank you for sharing here and on Twitter with us today! I love the background and am very curious about Princey poo-poo. I too enjoy a response of endearment from my teenager;)
Your good pile makes me think you have a very good life!
Magnificent!! I love the poem and the background brings even more peace to all the lovely things in your pile! Congrats, again, on your well deserved awards.
Amen and amen. This pile makes me miss seeing you during Teach Write, friend. Also, love your graphic – it fits your poem so well.
Donetta, I love your pile and have many that are similar. I also love your Canva image. I wish I had more time to play with that tonight.
Stef-love your collection of happiness, especially your line “always welcome to block my vision”–so very true!
I loved the Canva program, I tried to upload my edited version of your poem (paw prints and all) but finally gave up. Sometimes tech wins. I didn’t follow any rules, anyway, after my doggy wake-up call and feeding. Hence, this poem. Not a pile–maybe a pile-up!!
Two Small Dogs, Saving the World Again
Two
Useless
Small-Dogs, filled
with the self-importance
of the morning sun, battle for
first-one down-the-stairs, jostle
through the kitchen, shoot recklessly
through the back door and rocket emphatically
across the yard toward a mission-critical unseeable target.
Shockingly, there is nothing there. Again.
Assignment completed, they purposefully nose-down-trot
back to demand their breakfast, backyard
guard duty completed for another
day. A labor of love, making the
yard safe for humanity.
Small-dog duties…
Somedog has
to do
it.
3/19/23
Gayle, the pile-up is perfect for your very doggy, action-packed poem. Absolutely adore your title. “Rocket emphatically” Yes!
Gayle, I like this form. It reminds me of the contrast possible in a diamante poem. I especially like the lines “Small-dog duties…/Somedog has/to do/it.”
Ah, yes! This is perfect! I love that middle line “Shockingly, there is nothing there. Again.” To me it could be read as sarcasm from the owner’s point of view or with a tone of surprise from the dog’s point of view. My dog and I both feel seen with this poem. Thanks for sharing!
Gayle, what a sweet way to describe this little tradition your two dogs have. “Somedog” Haha. So cute. I can just picture them doing this. “Shockingly, there is nothing there. Again” made me laugh aloud.
Gayle, I love the new pile-up version you created here and my favorite line is knowing that your “yard is safe for humanity.” Thank you for sharing today.
Gayle, I have a small dog, and you have nailed the personality! They be little but fierce – or so they think.Their small-dog duties are immense, are they not? Even when nothing is there (again). Love this, start to finish – and am thankful for every Somedog just like thse.
Oohhh, I love the way your poem is formatted – piled up..and then down? What a fun description of your pups!
Stefani, what a great prompt and exercise today. It’s been a long time since I tried Canva, so that was fun. It’s nice you can create so much beauty and then get a good link for the image or download it–whatever you need for your purposes. Your gif tutorial was very helpful. Amy Kay’s poem took my breath away at times, and your poem–so rich with delicious details, like “my dog sitting on my toe”, “newborns falling asleep in my arms” and “ignoring everything else to finish a good book.” Here is this week’s:
My Pile of Good Things
Mocha
Productivity
Being with my love
Making beautiful things
A heart decluttered, yet full
Being Grammy to my sweet Milo
Recognizing the birds in our yard
Having our house become our home
Being able to sleep as long as I want
Many ways to make a vegetarian Reuben
The four subtle seasons of the Mojave desert
These freshly washed, tightly-fitting flannel sheets
Finding a treasure that I need in a second-hand store
Sweet memories of a time when I had young children at home
Eating mint chocolate chip ice cream while laughing with loved ones
A masala tea soy latte from my kitchen delivered with love from Keith
You have a pile full of love. I can’t wait for the day I can sleep as long as I want to, but I’ll probably still rise early. I love how this form helps us compile the specific to be universal.
Denise, a vegetarian Reuben? I love how you open with Mocha and end with a tea soy latte. I’m glad you’ve been able to get your house to the point that it feels like home!
I want those vegetarian Reuben recipes!! (And I couldn’t help but create one phrase from your two–mocha productivity–so much more pleasant than my caffeine version…)
Yes, Barb and Gayle, I have never met a Reuben I didn’t like. Now that I’m eating a more vegan/vegetarian diet, I am always on the lookout on menus for this kind of sandwich. I’ve ordered them from various restaurants that use roast beet, seitan, tempeh and jackfruit. I’ve made one on my own using Butler’s soy curls. The rest of it I make the same–a meat substitute, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, grilled on rye bread. Yum.
Denise, how fitting to sandwich so many wonderful details between mocha and masala tea soy latte.
Denise, little Milo is blessed to have you in his life. So many of your memories build upon home and making a home. I am sure he will know the love that your home offers. And freshly washed, tightly fitting sheets deserve more love than people give them! I’m glad you acknowledged them here.
Denise, I like you stated “this week’s” before your poem. I wonder if this was a weekly practice if our gratitude levels would increase. I might try this. I also love mint choco. chip ice cream. Thank you for sharing today.
oooh! “Many ways to make a vegetarian rueben…do tell!” And, second hand store treasures are the best. You have some great things in your pile.
Yes! I wrote a comment above under gayle’s comment. 🙂
Denise, what a stunningly beautiful poem. I’m in the throes of toddlerhood now (two, to be exact), so this line stuck out to me most –
“Sweet memories of a time when I had young children at home”
Sometimes my days seem so, so dadgum long. And exhausting. And trying. Thank you for your wisdom. You remind me what they all say – “it goes by fast”
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my favorite. I hope someday I have “a heart decluttered, yet full.” You have a diverse pile of good things.
The good thing that is most satisfying right at this moment? Being able to sleep as long as I want. That just sounds divine. I’m so ready to have more days like that – – lingering mornings with coffee and writing and dogs and pajamas for just a while longer, with socks and no shoes. This sounds delightful.
I’m posting my Canva poem, but I will repost my poem if I think this doesn’t work correctly.
My Pile Poem:
Serenity, Adventures, and You
delicate daffodils
champagne at noon
a cozy nook to read a book
lilac breezes and ocean views
walking hand in hand across the sand
sneaking into silent places whispering our secret wishes
sunny Sundays, every fun day with an eco-tour and midnight cruise
moonlight delight, two-step boogie-woogie loos, soulful songs dancing cheek to cheek
Barb Edler
19 March 2023
Of course, once I started writing this out onto the screen, I had to revise.
I swear I felt my heart rate slow as I read this! So much peace here–the cozy nook, lilac breezes, and ocean views. And that last line…
Barb, the diurnal process from serenity to adventures to you is just perfect. Shouldn’t every day be this way?
Barb, the rhymes within the lines (nooks and books, hand and sand) whispers as softly as your wishes and your alliteration is perfectly placed. I need those delicate daffodils right now. While we have a sunny Sunday, the chill of winter lingers. Your poem brings spring and summer to a day that needs it.
Barb, I had to revise also when I got into Canva. But, I have the original in my notebook. Your pile of good things is so beautiful and filled with love. Thank you for sharing.
Both versions are beautiful, Barb, with the exotic cruise feel and the lovely internal rhymes. I like both ending lines…most of all, I love how this is a luxurious celebration of love.
I absolutely adore this! That background called me in first. Then I was swept away with:
I want all of this and this too:
Joyful living! Thank you, Barb!
Barb, so much to love here. The title is wonderful. “lilac breezes” and the “silent places whispering our secret wishes” That midnight cruise…dancing cheek to cheek is a romantic beautiful experience.
Barb, what a charming way to spend time with the one you love – – walking hand in hand across the sand, and dancing cheek to cheek. This sounds like that pile of good things multiplied with sheer love.
Lilac hues and ocean views is a lovely rhyme and image. I also like the alliteration of delicate dandelions. Such a peaceful, rich poem.
Barb, thank you for posting both the image and the poem on its own. I am loving the title, it says so much before even reading the poem itself. I am imagining you doing the two-step boogie woogie:)
Gorgeous image. Did you take the photo? Love the serenity in your poem.
Yes, this is my own photo. It’s a replica of the Nina, I believe. It was going south on the Mississippi on a “first” day of school a few years ago. It’s a favorite of mine.
Champagne at noon! I like the way you celebrate life, Barb! Beautiful poem and perfect Canva creation
Aahh, I love Canva!!! I use it often, and I finally tried it in the classroom last year. High schoolers love it, too. We did character comparisons last year, but I’d love to try it with this pile poem. Thanks for the opportunity!
Today’s pile poem is an ode, an appreciation poem for my husband, Kyle, who has been holding down the fort as I’ve been recovering from surgery and finding out our youngest has hand foot and mouth!
Britt, what a tribute. How easy it would be to share with him by changing the “he” to “you.” Wow!
Love the surrendering to the kid’s table line. After I posted my work today, I realized you could click on the image to read the poem. I’m sorry your child has hand and foot, but I’m glad you have a husband who steps-in to do the important things.
You have a gem for a husband. I am blessed that two of my daughters have these angels who take care of them and reprimand with compassion, such a rare thing. What a wonderful ode to him!
This is beautiful. Amazing, how all those small things add up to powerful love!! You are all lucky!
You both are very lucky to have one another. You, for how he cares for you and your boys. He, for how you express your gratitude for him with your words.
I have to admit, I paused for a second at “fresh, hot”, and I thought “ooh lala -spicy”. Then, I read the next line, “coffee…” I laughed at myself.
Britt, thank you for sharing with us and I hope you share out with Kyle as well…maybe print and put on the fridge? I think allowing you quiet time to sleep might be the most important element:)
Britt, coffee on lazy Saturdays is in its own zone of the best things in life. It’s like that oxymoron – – we NEED the coffee on weekdays, but on weekends? We can SAVOR the coffee. The whole thing shifts when the weekend rolls around,
Ah, Kyle, hero in poetry. He did so much and I love that it ends with prayer.
unquiet
stirring
a fastidious partner
blood donation night shirts
an invitation to Sunday Morning
promising patches of green grass
mending beloved Gryffindor socks
book shelves emptied after speed dating
a sister who reminds you where you come from
a lover who reminds you where you come from
empty plates swiftly cleared for another game of Sorry
chocolate chip remnants from breakfast for coffee’s last sip
a notice that at least someone has read your poem, you’re seen
as deep as the doubt drills, climb the pile of good or accept a lift to some summit
Oh, Sarah, I love the precise details in your poem….I’m looking for those promising patches of green, too. Your ending is powerful. “Accept a lift to some summit” …yes, those lifts are priceless! Tender and lovely poem!
“At least someone has read your poem” I never would have thought to put that into my pile of good things, but in this space, it’s the best feeling.
I was swept along through those perfect details, and then the last line: “as deep as the doubt drills, climb the pile of good or accept a lift to some summit”. That line by itself is a poem to be savored.
Sarah, I love the climb your thoughts take here from the base of “unquiet” to the summit of “acceptance” and your acknowledgement of those who help you along the way! The form is fitting, as it mimics a mountain.
Sarah, your last two lines of are my favorite…”you’re seen” and climb or accept…so lovely. Thank you for sharing these pieces of your Sunday morning with us.
Sarah, I adore the mending of beloved Gryffindor socks! So much love and reminders of love in your poem. That last line about climbing the pile of good or accepting a lift is especially powerful. Love in action – knowing when to give, and take.
Mending the socks is just perfect here, Sarah. I have a thing for socks. It’s strange, I know – – I grew up on an island, and most people in my circle love their flip flops and would wear them year round. Not me. I want socks, and I want my favorites – – and I would mend them fifty times to keep the right ones in good shape. Yes, Gryffindor socks are among the best. And being reminded of where we come from – – (not once but twice??) – – that’s always a good sign that the roots are strong! This makes me smile today!
You have added a lovely twist to the bottom of this pile of good with that last line, and this sweet alliteration: “as deep as the doubt drills” We should remember this when doubt drills, and climb the gratitude pile.
Yay, you chose my favorite design app, CANVA! I love this prompt and your pile shows us the good things about you! I especially love that your children are “welcome to block my vision.” And who doesn’t want a Friday night in a robe with nowhere to go! That’s gooooood living!!!
My Poem
My Pile of Good Things
QUIET!
coffee pods
pH water chilling
cool breezes whispering
sidewalks covered in water dots
grey clouds holding on before release
spring blossoms awaiting their turn to dance
hummingbirds and butterflies exchanging petals
end-of-school packing and last-minute boxes stacking
arms clutched for group hugs, waves good-bye and summer smiles
Stacey L. Joy, 3/19/23
This is a gorgeous digital poem, Stacey! From the background river scene in muted colors to the opening word QUIET! to the images of petals, hummingbirds, cool water dots and breezes…you have painted a picture of peace. And anticipation – holding on like the gray clouds before release!
Stacey, I love the nature imagery and your poem looks fabulous with the backdrop. The action at the end is bittersweet. I’ve been wondering how your protest went. Any luck with making change in your district?
The Local 99 SEIU 3-day strike is Tues-Thur and we teachers will be supporting them on the picket lines. The union and district bargaining didn’t yield much on Friday. Hopefully I won’t have a 3rd strike in my career, but it’s not looking good. I’ll keep you posted!
Stacey–a walk from now to summer. Waves goodbye and summer smiles… love that line!
Stacey, your poem builds, not only in words and images for the pile but also in energy, shifting from the quiet (coffee-filled mornings and whisperings and almost blossomings to all that comes with end of year wrap-ups). I LOVE your canva image.
Stacey, you have me jonesing for that last day of school beginning with “quiet” and “coffee pods” and ending with “summer smiles.”
Joy, your pile of good things brings me so much joy (no pun intended).
“coffee pods” – YES!
“end-of-school packing” – YES!
“summer smiles” – (mine) YES!
Stacey, The background pic is an added bonus. I love “arms clutched” and “holding on before release.” Canva templates are great but can be a bit finicky, what is your favorite way to use Canva in your classroom?
Stef, we have Canva in our district approved apps, but for some reason some students can access it and others can’t. I don’t assign work via Canva like I did last year, but I create templates and then assign them in Google Classroom. I created my classroom website in Canva. It’s such an easy tool for creating websites. How about you?
You got me giggling with the all caps spelling with exclamation mark of “quiet.” LOL. “Holding on until release…” beautiful…so is “exchanging petals.” I’ll bet you are a fabulous teacher!
Stacey,
I love the poem. The quiet comforts, and your visual is stunning. It reminds me of Hell’s Canyon and makes me want to redo my poem. I know the image I want to feature.
Stacey, I feel like your pile is carrying me through the seasons to the relief of summer. I love the imagery that brings nature alive.
I’m ready!! Packing the boxes for summer break sounds like a little slice of heaven. The rain on the pavement screams of spring and summer hot on its heels to the lazy days of relaxation and travel. Oh, what a lovely feeling.
Well,
there’s
Billy and
Charles and
Sarah and Phil,
Clint and Anis and
Maggie and Rudy and
Hanif and Ada and Shane,
but more importantly, more
immediately, there’s Jennifer
and Kevin and Bhargavi and Kim
and Margaret and Denise and Terry
and Dave and Fran and Stef and later
(no doubt) will be gayle and Susie and Barb
and Sarah and Maureen and Jennifer and Wendy
and Denise and DeAnna and Stacey and Cara and
Mo and Donnetta and Rachelle and Shaun and Susan
and Britt and Joanne and Glenda and Katrina and Laura
and Tammi and Linda and Emily and Bryan and Anna and
Jessica and Andy and Allison and, of course, too many more
to name: all poets who have had a hand in making me the poet
I am today,
who have
helped me
navigate these
(sometimes) rough waters
that we call the written word.
Scott! A beautiful shape poem – which has me longing for summer but nevertheless – what an amazing tribute to the power of a poetry community. Poetry alone is a mighty thing but here, writing alongside others, there’s exponential growth. It takes a fleet of poets…your own creativity, wit, word wizardry are always amazing -so often a light and certainly a smile in troubled waters.
Masterpiece!!!!!! Standing and clapping!!!! Honored to be here with you and all the others. You’ve created a poem that speaks to the value of this special community.
How on earth did you manage to craft that perfect ship outline! Love it, Scott.
⛵️
Scott, love how you used the Ethical ELA writing group as your compass today. Waters can be rough and it’s great to know you have an audience willing to read and hear your voice. Love the look of your poem. Fantastic shape and clipart.
Scott–boy do I hate it when you overwhelm me!! This is wonderful on so many levels–especially the end–where the truth is told. we all help each other navigate those waters, don’t we/ I wait for this time every month, and feel the release as soon as we all join in. Thank you, my friend!
Scott, this is such a celebration of the power of community to build us and sharpen us as writers. I love how you used our names in this fleet today – – the nautical theme of the fleet, the navigating, the currents…..it’s such a masterpiece of a poem the way you did this! and the shape even looks like a sailboat.
Scott, thank you for bringing all of us on board as you navigate. And we have such a good time on the cruise! I hear the tin pan intro and feel the breeze as I type.
Oh, wow, Scott. What a tribute to this group. This is a sweet treasure, a flotilla of poetry power. I want to say an Amen to it, for they made me feel like a poet, too. And a hearty thank you for including my name (and Denise’s). So beautiful.
Wow Scott, you are taking this up a notch…with the shape of a sail and your thoughtful additions of so many teacher-writers who share this space. Love it all and appreciate you too!
Scott,
loved this. Thanks for making us feel validated and impactful: what a sweet tribute. ❤️❤️
Doesn’t this look awesome, Scott!
Scott, you do it again and again and again. I always look forward to what spins out of your mind! This is a great tribute to community! Thanks for this!
LOVE THIS!!!!!!! I made it, I made it! What a wonderful poem; I’m so honored to be part of the community.
Thanks, Stef! Very fun idea. I love how it made my thoughts grow just from having to write in that form.
A Pile of Gratitude
Clear Sky
Billowing clouds
Birds chirping in the blue
The wonders of nature abound
The meadows preparing for spring
The earth warming and turning green
All things growing and singing their songs
The woodlands filled to the brim with wonder
Beckoning all of us to seek , explore, and discover
Set yourself free in the world, and let your heart dance
Be every so grateful for this one-time journey, go forth unafraid.
Joanne, love the series of images, especially with the repetition of the article “the” which personifies wonders and earth in a proximate, intimate way.
You are singing my same song amid the same pile of good things, Joanne! The infinite wonders of nature, notably birds; the green fields. the woodlands. The beauty of the earth remains and we humans do need to set ourselves free to savor it all, to dance, to be so grateful. I am – right alongside you!
Gorgeous imagery, Joanne! The emotion at the end of your poem is perfectly delivered.
Joanne, your last line is so compelling. “Be ever so grateful for this on-time journey, go forth unafraid.” I am always amazed at how invigorating/how sustaining a late afternoon constitutional can be. Your poem reminds me of that.
Joanne, “let your heart dance”…”go forth unafraid” is lovely. Thank you for sharing your pile of gratitude with us today.
Thanks, Stef, for this fun prompt! I loved the vivid imagery of your poem. Hoping mine uploads well below. 🙂
Wow, Wendy – first of all, your repetition of “time” is powerful. The first word acts as a title. I find it an ode and a lament, these bookends of Time and the giant thirty years between. That’s the lament! The ode is having lived to a time to have time again (Browning: “Grow old with me/The best is yet to be”). So wonderfully captured.
Wwwwwoooooowwwwww! I participated in a poetry group last year and the theme was time! Your poem is spot-on in the explorations of time in your life. Personifying time and showing us all how it controls so much of everything!
I can’t wait for summer when we have “more than enough time…”
🌞
Wendy, you’ve definitely captured the emotions of time. It can slip away so quickly, and I appreciate how you show the passage of time through the action and emotions.
Wendy–wow!!! the exploration from childhood to today and the future. All of it resonated with me. I am in that last stage now, working part-time supervising student teachers. That tyrant is gone, student teachers. I do not miss that dictator at all…
Wendy, how clever is your use of “time.” It must have taken a lot of rewriting to place “time” at the end of each line. It reminds me of the verses from Ecclesiastes, which the Byrds put to music.
Wendy, thank you for writing with us today and drawing ideas around/on time. I particularly like your first three lines!
Beautiful. Every word is so powerful and intimate. Love that transition at the end, “Soon,”
Wendy, “time / to lie in a patch of sunlight” is so memorable. I love each of those lines ending with the word time. Yes, it will be worth the wait when “there will be more than enough time”
Stef, this has been an amazing experience this morning, wading into artistic tech waters with celebrations of the good things in our lives. Thank you for it – even with the extra layers of challenge, this was worth it. An exercise in growth, all around.
Taking Stock: My Pile of Good Things
faith
family
studying birds
and their green language
studying stars and planets
with their bright, beckoning mysteries
Hey Dudes shoes for better walking this Earth
my grown children both finding their callings in life
meeting my father again in the scent of fresh-cut grass
making carrot cake from scratch, using my mother’s recipe
a friend who brings good coffee to me every morning at work
listening to my younger son’s beautiful piano playing and singing
listening to my older son’s explicit, exquisite exegesis of scripture
a home in the countryside, where finches hatch in the door wreath
getting a text from my husband every day at work: I love you, honey
so losing myself in a book that being interrupted is a painful resurfacing
driving past rolling green fields, weathered old barns, blue herons in ponds
being home at night, burrowed in a big warm blanket with a little warm dog
my granddaughters: a sage of seven & a toddler whose first language is song
my daughter-in-law, creator of beautiful things, pure-heartedly blessing others
writing it all, with constant awe illuminating my stained-glass sanctuary of words
Fran, this was gorgeous and pulled me through from beginning to end with the beautiful, spirited, and spiritual narrative: you are a lucky woman!
A stained glass sanctuary of words, indeed! I like the way you wrapped everyone into the blanket of warmth in this poem, right down to the finches at the front door. We are blessed to have children we love and daughters in law we adore. And grandchildren. Oh, the dogs and birds and husbands who take time to remind us we are loved. I need some better friends who will bring me coffee…..wow! What a gift. My son asked for Hey Dudes shoes for Christmas and loves his. What a great way to celebrate walking through days, through earth, in a great pair of comfy shoes. There is so much to celebrate and be grateful for when we pile up the blessings like this. You give us a good glimpse into what is important to you!
Fran, I noted the “green language” returning in “the scent of fresh-cut grass” — perhaps your father speaking to you–and then later the birds green language rests in the door wreath, and then the toddler’s first language of song. But then other languages in gestures. How lovely to have a friend bringing you coffee. Seems the pile of good is speaking many languages.
Wow, Fran, this poem is loaded with love and life!
All of the poems today are prayers of gratitude and shout hallelujah to my soul! I love your poem and I’m glad your life is filled with joyful experiences.
Fran, what a lovely poem full of grace and emotion. I was especially moved by your last line: with constant awe illuminating my stained-glass sanctuary of words.
Fran, your words connect across time (meeting your father again, finding your mother in a recipe) and gather through senses (weathered barns, and warm blankets with dogs). This poem is a sanctuary caught between faith and stained glass – perfect for a Sunday and beautiful for every day.
Fran–this: “studying birds and their green language”. What a strong, peaceful image it gave me!
Your poem overflows with gratitude for people here and no longer here. It is humbling. Your thoughts are perfectly framed within your “stained-glass sanctuary of words.”
Fran, I am loving the title of “Taking Stock,” and my favorite bit is the “sage of seven.” I also appreciate the images you’ve added in the picture and via your words.
Wow! The specific details are so beautiful from making that carrot cake to the blue heron. Even though this is your pile of good things, I feel like I can relate to many of them. What an awesome prompt today!
Wow! There is so much beauty and love in your pile.
Fran, I have so many favorite lines in your poem. Like “so losing myself in a book that being interrupted is a painful resurfacing” Wow. What a great feeling when I have a book that good. And a friend who brings coffee every morning! Wow. And this “my older son’s explicit, exquisite exegesis of scripture” Beautiful in reality and in your description.
What a great prompt! I can absolutely see this getting used in the classroom, and I appreciate being introduced (and prodded, lol) into trying out a new tool with Canva.
The
warm
pops of
the needle
on the record
before the song starts,
pulling her close like our
first dance, after all of the
years. Opening acceptance
emails and seeing our babies
have choices. Feeling accomplished
in one moment and challenged the next.
The smell of her on the pillow knowing that
tomorrow she’ll be home. Facebook memories
smiling back through the years. Grilling in the snow
to catch a taste of the summer, and then chocolate chip
cookies and cocoa served outside around a warm winter fire.
Dave, grilling in the snow to catch a taste of the summer, the smell of a spouse on a pillow, the living of life with its challenges one moment, assurances the next…..all of these good things are the living of life rich with blessings. Your pile is stacked high, friend! Enjoy the music, the dancing, the memories in every moment.
Gorgeous sensory detail and narrative flow, Dave. The scent of someone so loved on the pillow squeezes my heart – and oh, that warm winter fire! One day away from spring and it is still freezing. Love your background and the retro feel, this whole song of life.
Dave, love all of this beautiful imagery and the picture you paint here!
Dave, the sensory images here offer an intimate access to the good over a lifespan from “seeing our babies” to “smell on her on the pillow” to “cocoa served”. That last scene seems to welcome new friends to this good life. And I love chocolate chip cookies. Just sayin’.
Dave, so much to love and appreciate! I think today’s prompt is pulling treasure troves of gratitude into our community here.
Beautiful!
Dave, I love how your poem begins at a beginning with the “warm pops of the needle on the record.” We are poised to hear your song.
Dave, lovely pile of pure joy! I really like how you opened with the action of playing music. “Opening acceptance emails”…yes, could I have some of those please! The image behind your poem is perfect!
Dave, thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us today. Glad you were able to try a new tool and let us know how it goes if you try it in the classroom.
These I would bring back if I could:
Hummingbird moths in the zero black of night.
Kites with my son almost out of sight.
My mother squeezing my hands to life in the early morning.
All my lost comic books re-found without warning.
Incandescence
My best friends un-drowned presence.
But I cannot.
Memory must suffice
Beautiful ode to memory …
Kevin
Really beautiful poem. The prompt pulled me into nostalgia too! The first two lines (especially with the visual) are really affecting–zero black of night!
Utterly haunting, Terry. The contrast of small things, the hummingbird moths and the comic books re-found, with the big, the presence of your mother and that of your un-drowned friend – it’s incredibly powerful. Electric. Love the metaphor of light and dark in your design.
Poems like yours today make me consciously aware of the value of making memories today. Not of cleaning the house or washing the car or shopping on Amazon. But of walking dogs, flying kites, spending time with friends, hugging parents while they’re still here. There is power in your poem.
This was just gorgeous and very moving. <3
I missed the title the first time I read your poem, Terry, so I missed the point of your poem. Wow, what an impact the title makes on each image you summon.
So much sorrow and love here in the space left behind. Un-drowned presence kicked me in the gut. I still have my mother’s hands to touch so you reminded me that I should.
Terry–this is beautiful and wonderful and broke my heart.
Terry, thank you for joining us today. I like this twist, a pile of memories. Your background image also adds to the feelings and missing experiences.
Terry, what poignant thoughts. I like the photo you chose for your poem, the opaqueness of memory. I’m sorry about your best friend.
These I would bring back if I could:
Hummingbird moths in the zero black of night.
Kites with my son almost out of sight.
My mother squeezing my hands to life in the early morning.
All my lost comic books re-found without warning.
Incandescence
My best friends un-drowned presence.
But I cannot.
Memory must suffice
What a great prompt to take into my classroom next week – as we are staring down the final weeks of the semester, this will be a good boost for my students. Thank you, Stef! (I’m not so slick on Canva.)
quiet
mornings
hot tea, art, writing
meditation, a low bp
knowing he’s asleep upstairs
two cats in the chair & a dog at my feet
clear skies predicted with rising temperatures
the final-four-semester countdown just weeks away
building this big and beautiful life with friends and family
having the opportunity to learn from each and every mistake
baking bread and cookies and cake; more hot tea to enjoy each delight
sleeping and waking; hugs and kisses; sunshine and rain; breathing in; breathing out
Yes, trying to stretch out the “pile” like a neverending gobstopper
I love the staircase effect of these kinds of poems …
Clear skies with rising temperatures – – I read that line just as my husband, scrolling his weather app, says, “Freeze warning for in the morning.” He didn’t mean to rhyme, he didn’t mean to chime in on the exact words as I was feeling warmth on my skin through the windows as I sit in my slice of sunshine. This is in the pile of good things for sure. And that hot tea…..yes!
Denise, the final line is LIFE AND LOVE!
I want fresh baked cake and cookies and bread and tea and two cats!!!
🤗
Denise, I love your coinage, “the final-four-semester countdown.” I have enjoyed this school year, and I look forward to going out on a win, hopefully.
Denise, what a testament to this life of love you are living.
Some favorites:
I also like reading the first lines with the tea/bp and upstairs/chairs rhymes. Beautiful.
Denise, thank you for sharing and joining. What is it with dogs at feet, it is just so comforting and their way of showing love? I also like your line about “big and beautiful life.”
I love this prompt. I will use it tomorrow with my students. The only hard part was trying to get it to look like a descending pile. I love your line “welcome to clock my vision” which tells me you are willing to be open to whatever your children decide to do with their lives. It’s taken me a while to learn this. I had fun with the prompt. I already have all of these good things! So much gratitude!
Sunrise
Sunset
Satsumas in fall
Scent of a campfire
Sara Bareilles singing
A dog who licks my toes
Dark chocolate with nuts
Fluffy white cat curled next to me
Four happy, healthy grandchildren
Picking blackberries from a canoe
A bouquet of flowers for no reason
Butterfly garden in honor of Carolyn
A cup of coffee in the quiet of morning
Gathering family around a pot of gumbo
Wood duck nesting; waiting for jump day
Art on my walls by my friends, father, cousin, grandson
Sleeping next to my life partner; growing old in long love
*Block not clock
A stream of it all. I especially appreciate growing old. Yes, it is organic.
I’m so glad to see so much chocolate here today! I love your visuals (picking blackberries from a canoe, gathering around gumbo, wood ducks nesting). This feels like a pile of photographs.
“Wood duck nesting; waiting for jump day”
Great image line ..
Kevin
A beautiful ode to life, rich with alliteration, imagery – and gratitude. Your words quiet my soul, Margaret.
Margaret, I hope you have your camera set up for jump day. I look forward to seeing the wood ducks jump out into the teche bayou this year! So thrilling! Definitely in the pile of good things.
Margaret, I’m such a sucker for “s” words so your opening lines pulled me right in!
How I love Sara Bareilles! But I really want some gumbo now! Love it, Margaret!
Margaret, the only thing better than reading your poem would be hearing you read it. I love the details which take me into your world, satsumas and gumbo and jump day.
Margaret, beautiful and lovely poem. Your ending line is such a satisfying way to end!
Margaret–My favorite line, for its specificity and quirkiness-a dog who licks my toes. That made me smile!
Margaret, let me know how it goes with your class tomorrow. Will you create a template as well or just use the prompt? I love “art of my walls by my friends,” as I try to decorate with art by those I know or from travels. Thank you for sharing today.
Growing old in long love is such a great last line. Beautiful list.
Margaret, these were beautiful, poignant images! ❤️❤️
Stef, how I love the technology tools you are sharing with us! I love your chocolate peanut butter anything and the kids who are getting too tall who can block your vision and give you hugs anytime. This is fun! Since it’s our first springtime camping weekend, I made a pile of good things stacked like firewood and attached the Canva creation image. Such fun learning alongside you!
Kim, this makes me want to go camping (almost). I can imagine you piled in with all the dogs. Along with books, that’s everything I’d need. Oh, and the geese flying north. A sure sign of spring. Pile it on!
Oh Kim, I love how committed you are…poeming while camping! I am trying to imagine how a pic of your campsite with dogs would be a cool effect in the background of this image. I also think the geese flight adds to the seasonal timing of this poem. Thank you for sharing today.
“springtime boondocking” — I am not sure what that is but I enjoyed saying it aloud a few times (the dogs looked at me, like, what’s he sayin’?)
Kevin
I love the imagery of camping, I can almost smell the campfire and the extension of Boo Radley as a family member evokes the quiet, peacefulness of being away from tech with just the people and books that bring us joy.
Once again, Kim you communicate so much in so few words. Black coffee – my own elixir! Can one ever have too much? The dogs and the site are so clear to me. I can almost smell the campfire and see the flags flapping in the heavenly breeze. It all invokes peace. Enjoy!!
Kim, my friend, you always woo me with your poetry! I am in love with this entire experience and I’m not a big fan of camping. LOL.
I always feel extra grateful when I hear geese flying north in the mornings because I know my school year is about to end.
You couldn’t have chosen a better final line:
Gorgeous!
Kim, maybe it’s the nature of the pile poem that attracts your use of specific sensory details. Whatever, lines like “Beddy’s sheets in the Little Guy Max” works so much better than “sleeping in the camper,” for example.
Yes, I want to be there with you, too, it sounds peaceful and delightful.
I want to go camping with you! Not on my list of best things but you make it sound heavenly.
“Heavenly breath waving campsite flags” Maybe I want to go camping based on that line, but–probably not! Your poem almost persuades me!!
All good things! Boondocking has to be my favorite word at least today. Love that!
something that came upon my mind..
him
his cute smile
his sexy hands
his raspy voice
the way his eyes glow up
the funny stories he made up
his liking to kiss me on my forehead
our incapability of not touching each other
the way he laughs after mocking and irritating me
the way he smells me and breathes me like an air
the way he touches my skin after holding my hands
Bhargavi, I love the line “and breathes me like an air.” Beautiful.
Bhargavi, thank you for joining us today. This pile of how you love him is a sweet way to create today.
The playfulness of romance, laughing after irritating – – yes, that’s the ticket to forgiving love that every good relationship should have – laughter in the irritation. Ha!
Bhargavi, sweet and sensual! I feel the warm fuzzies of this experience in every line!
Truly beautiful to imagine such tenderness and love.
❤️
Wow, you’ve got it made here! Smoky hot!
Thanks for the template and invitation
Kevin, the nooks and crannies, along with the arrival of poems, are beautiful spaces and events.
Kevin, thank you for creating and sharing with us today. I’m loving the ode to your best friend/wife…always a good thing.
Comfortable shoes are much to be preferred over what Steve Martin called ‘cruel shoes’. 😉
Indeed
Kevin, you found the perfect backdrop for your signature lyrical style full of inspiring messages. I love the dogs – – one old, one new. There is nothing like a dog and a best friend who is also a spouse. Those ARE great things!
I love this! The warmth of your family and your home permeates the poem! So many loving images resonated with me. I dug into this moment here and wanted to stay awhile:
🌞
Kevin, the use of italics puts the lyrics to your music in the poem. Brilliant!
Love the three sons with lives unfolding in interesting ways…this is the perfect anniversary card to your bestie!
Stefani, I love being able to start the day thinking of all the good things. Pile it on! You have me craving peanut butter and chocolate. Oh, and those newborn cuddles are pretty darn good too.
Your poem, seed with kindness, is lovely, Jennifer
Kevin
Good morning Jennifer, your visual adds to the words you have shared with us this morning. I love this sense of growth and a “word seed.” Thank you for creating today!
Jennifer, I see planting seeds as growing love as becoming a family with new birth here. This is beautiful, and I love the little plant graphic at the top like a new seedling.
This poem recalls Dickinson for me in that she once asked “Is my verse alive?” And yours IS. Word seeds, planted in the soul – they do grow. We’re all interconnected. Your image is perfect, with the little shoot above and so much more, so very much more, beneath the surface. Just beautiful.
Hi Jennifer,
What a gift of peace and love! Totally adore the form you created and the blossom at the top is perfect!
This reminds me of Nikki Giovanni and awe overcomes me:
This poem is a treasure that you should frame!
Jennifer, your choice to use the lower case throughout your poem is kind to the eye and is perfectly suited to the theme of your poem.
Outstanding formatting here, Jennifer. Kindness is the best bloom!
Jennifer–I think you found your newest gift to give–this should be on the wall of classrooms and homes. Beautiful!
“kindness grows a person” and
“word seeds planted in the soul”
are such great lines/ideas!