Wow, what a busy day today! It’s Poetry Friday and there’s so much going on, I can’t wait to tell you…
First of all, Round One voting in the nation’s largest bracketed children’s poetry competition, Madness! Poetry, is underway…and wraps up TODAY!
As of this writing, a mere 1/10th of a percent separates us, so it’s a nail-biter among nail-biters!
Please vote for your favorites! Voting ends at various times this afternoon, but my matchup with Laurie Kaiser closes at 5:15pm EDST, which means there’s not much time left to cast your vote. BUT…if you do vote, please vote for your favorite, even if it’s not mine.
In case you don’t know, each pair of competitors (or ‘authletes’) is given a specific word; we then have 36 hours to write a children’s poem using that exact word. Voting then takes place, and whoever wins their round moves on to the next, much in the way that the NCAA’s March Madness works. Eventually, one winner will be crowned champion and receive “The Thinkier” trophy!
Laurie and I were given the word “submerged,” and came up with two very different poems – so please check out our matchup (and all of them), and thanks so much for supporting children’s poetry!
(AGAIN: Voting ends at 5:15pm EDST Today)
Feeding into this “poetry madness,” so to speak, is the fact that Construction People (Wordsong) arrives next Tuesday, March 17! It has always been an honor to be part of a Lee Bennett Hopkins anthology, and to be included in 3 of his final 4 books (Lee passed away last August), is truly a blessing.
Construction People is a follow-up to 2018’s School People, which featured poems about all the grown-ups a child meets at school. In this new book, there are poems about all the folks involved in building a skyscraper, from the architect to the carpenters, from the elevator installers to the plumbers!
But I have to admit…when Lee asked me to write a poem about the construction project manager, I was a bit leery. Where was the fun, the pizzazz, the cool sounds and energy and imagery one would expect? But once I did some research and realized how stressful – and integral – the position is, I knew I could do it. As for the structure of the poem, I knew it needed to be a villanelle, with its tall, skyscraper-like shape and almost obsessively repetitive lines. I hope you like it!
One of my favorite poems is Lee’s…although I’m not sure if I like it because it’s a wonderful poem, or if it’s because it was one of my friend’s last published poems:
Construction People arrives everywhere this coming Tuesday!
In other news…
Another of Lee’s last anthologies has a publishing date! In addition to Construction People (Wordsong), which comes out next week, have you heard about Night Wishes (Eerdmans), which arrives this fall? I just learned from the publisher that we can expect to see it in stores everywhere Sept. 15:
As a child falls asleep, all the inanimate objects in her room wish her “good night” in their own, special ways: the mattress, bookshelf, rocking horse…all of them offer their words through 14 poets, myself included. (In fact, you’ll notice my “Pillow” is even included in the official description!)
Here’s just a little taste of what to expect…
I wish I could share the rest of the poem, but we’ll all have to wait until we get closer to the publication date, Sept. 15! It’s such a beautiful book, I can’t wait for you to see it. Pre-orders are available now, though, so don’t let me stop you from clicking the links, ha!
Thanks so much for visiting the ol’ Triple-R! Please leave your links and news in the comments below and I’ll round them up old school-style throughout the day…
- Little Willow is sharing a few lines from Mary Oliver.
- Robyn Hood Black is sharing haiku from several of her writing friends.
- Laura Shovan is revisiting 10 years of her books, and spotlights her 2012 collection of poems and lessons entitled “Voices Fly.”
- Tabatha Yeatts is featuring a moving poem by Sarah Cannavo, “Fallen But Not Down.”
- Janice Scully offers a “Self Portrait” at Salt City Verse.
- Linda Kulp Trout has a very timely poem, considering our COVID-19 issues, entitled “TP Emergency!” (And by the way, what’s the deal with all the TP hoarding? This is a respiratory illness…why aren’t people buying Kleenex??)
- Over at Teacher Dance, Linda Baie is sharing sharing Irene Latham’s & Charles Waters’ new poetry collection, “Dictionary for A Better World.”
- Michelle H. Barnes is offering her response to Tabatha Yeatt’s Ditty of the Month Challenge to write a poem about a game!
- Art & poetry combine to create Michelel Kogan’s timely acrostic poem, “Relieving Anxiety.”
- Karen Eastlund is trying to remain positive with flowers, grandchildren, and a poem by Felgild Compline.
- Carol Varsalona is celebrating spring with robins, blue jays, and…clocks!
- St. Patrick’s Day has come early to Linda Mitchell’s A Word Edgewise.
- Art, poetry, and education combine in Laura Purdie Salas’ “Belief in Birds.”
- At My Juicy Little Universe, Heidi Mordhorst offers up some positivity regarding COVID-19.
- Have you ever heard of a redstart? It’s a bird – and Ruth has a touching poem about one at her blog, There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town.
- I just found out that Margaret Simon is taking over the Progressive Poem organizer duties from Irene Latham! You can sign up at Reflections on the Teche.
- Mary Lee has an “uncertain” poem of unanswered (or unanswerable?) questions.
- A trip to Phoenix, AZ inspired Rose Cappelli’s free verse poem, “Montezuma’s Castle.”
- At Live your Poem, Irene shares a new summer poem as part of her ARTSPEAK: RED series.
- Jama is serving up a delicious breakfast with a poem by Ryan Warren at Alphabet Soup.
- At The Poem Farm, Amy offers up a touching poem about uncertainty, positivity, and imagination in the age of COVID-19, “The Land of Notknowing.”
- Another timely poem is Lynn Unger’s poem, “Pandemic,” which you’ll find at Carol’s Corner.
- Catherine is getting ready for Pi Day tomorrow by combining poetry and chocolate at Reading to the Core – and really, who doesn’t love Pi??
- Donna Smith is also taking part in the Madness Poetry competition, and shares a poem she wrote about it – using all 32 words!
- Ramona Behnke shares a golden shovel poem (if you don’t know what that is, she’ll explain!) crafted from a line from Irene Latham’s & Charles Waters’ “Dictionary for A Better World.”
- You’ll find a “skinny” poem about keeping social distances while greeting at Jone Rush MacCulloch’s blog, along with student poetry postcard sign-ups!
- COVID-19 sparks a Macbeth-inspired poem for Molly Hogan at Nix the Comfort Zone.
- Icy ponds, Girl Scout cookies, and the virus everyone’s talking about come together in Rebecca Herzog’s post in which she shares a winter haiku.
- And finally, in the midst of all the news & chaos of the virus, Christie Wyman finds a lot to be thankful for at Wondering and Wandering.
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Speaking of new books…have you pre-ordered yet??
I’ve teamed up with several other children’s authors to promote our upcoming books this year! And there are a LOT of them, too – including SEVEN in March, plus the new poetry anthology Construction People (Wordsong, March 17, 2020), of which I’m a contributor:
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Ordering personalized signed copies online?
Oh, yes, you can!
You can purchase personalized signed copies of Flashlight Night, (Boyds Mills Press, 2017), Don’t Ask a Dinosaur (Pow! Kids Books, 2018), and nearly ALL of the books or anthologies I’ve been part of!
Just click the cover of whichever book you want and send the good folks at MainStreet BookEnds in Warner, NH a note requesting the signature and to whom I should make it out to. (alternatively, you can log onto my website and do the same thing) They’ll contact me, I’ll stop by and sign it, and then they’ll ship it! (Plus, you’ll be supporting your local bookseller – and won’t that make you feel good?)
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Thank you to everyone for your support!
- NY Public Library’s “100 Best Book for Kids 2017” AND “Staff Pick!”
- KIRKUS Starred review!
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Books!
- “Best Reads of 2017,” Unleashing Readers
- Finalist, 2019 New Hampshire Literary Awards
- Positive reviews from Horn Book, School Library Connection, School Library Connection, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and Shelf-Awareness!
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.- “Rollicking rhyme!” – Booklist
- “A wild romp!” – Parenting NH Magazine
- “Cute…intriguing…4 out of 5 stars” – Tulsa Book Review
- “Rhythmic…funny and informative” – Unleashing Readers
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Did you like this post? Find something interesting elsewhere in this blog? I really won’t mind at all if you feel compelled to share it with your friends and followers!
I posted some of Mary Oliver’s words today. https://slayground.livejournal.com/903000.html
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Thanks so much for hosting, you busy poet! (I’ll be back when I can get to a real-sized screen. ) I’ve got a few “timely” haiku from the Coquina Haiku Circle (my buddies in N. Fla. and S. Ga.).
http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog/posts/35880
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Love those, Robyn! So varied in tone and imagery. I tried to leave a comment, but it wouldn’t let me.
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Two very powerful lines, at that. Thanks, Willow!
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Thanks for hosting, Matt! Good luck as an authlete!
I’m featuring my third book this week, VOICES FLY. I co-edited this poetry workshop/anthology with fellow visiting poet Ginny Crawford. For teachers who need resources due to virtual schooling, the entire book — with 8 workshop descriptions –is a free PDF. In my blog, I share “The Word Pond” for emerging writers.
https://laurashovan.com/2020/03/celebrating-10-years-of-books-part-3/
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(Oops – I think I put my comment and blog link in the wrong place above…. ) Good luck in the Madness, Matt, and CONGRATS on Night Wishes – what a gorgeous cover!
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Thank you, Robyn!
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Doesn’t Night Wishes have a lovely cover?
I enjoyed reading the Round One poems very much!
I have a poem by Sarah Cannavo today, “Fallen But Not Down”: https://tabathayeatts.blogspot.com/
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Thanks so much, Tabatha!
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I really liked the energy in your Construction Project Manager. That form is such a challenge but you did a nice job. What an honor to be part of LBH’s books! Today, I have a short post at Salt City Verse, found at http://janicescully.com.
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Thank you, Janice. Lee’s joyous reaction to my poem when I sent it to him was one of my most endearing memories of him – he was thrilled, and I was, too!
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Congratulations on your many publications, Matt! Thank you for hosting. I’m in today with a timely little poem titled, “TP Emergency” https://lindakulptrout.blogspot.com/2020/03/tp-emergency.html
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Thanks, Linda!
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Best wishes in the “madness”, Matt. The poems, like always, were all clever & fun. A family friend, best friend of my son still & while growing up just became certified as a “project manager” and has taken a big job as one. I think I’ll send him your poem. It is a very big deal & I love the pressure coming through in your poem. Night Wishes is going to be so sweet! I haven’t published yet, but am sharing Irene Latham’s & Charles Waters’ “Dictionary for A Better World”, so needed today & tomorrow, & on! Thanks for hosting!
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Here is my link: https://www.teacherdance.org/2020/03/poetry-friday-its-dictionary-for-better.html
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Thank you, Linda…I thought of the villanelle because they are often tied to obsessiveness, which was perfect for the subject.
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Love your touching Round One poem, Matt! I can’t wait to see NIGHT WISHES in its entirety. It sounds like a must-have collection. This week I’m posting my contribution to Tabatha’s DMC challenge to write a poem about a game—it’s called “Notes from the Front Step.” https://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2020/03/let-games-begin.html
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Thank you so much, Michelle! (And I love your poem!)
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Thanks for hosting Matt! What a wonderful cornucopia of poetry anthologies your included in, many congratulations, and for your own forthcoming books too! “I count the bills we need to pay” this line is so timely now with so many people having to stretch dollars, and possibly missing work–excellent form to pick for the topic. All the best with “Madness Poetry” competition! I’m sharing some art and a poem called “Relieving Anxiety,” in efforts to help the anxiousness that many of us are feeling today: https://moreart4all.wordpress.com/2020/03/12/poetry-friday-relieving-anxiety/
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Thank you for all the kind words, Michelle, I appreciate it!
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Wonderful sharing of poems, Matt! Thanks so much. You were so lucky to work with Lee on this construction book, and your talle villanelle is like the skyscraper. Kudos. I’m posting a few photos and lines this week also. Find them at https://kceastlund.blogspot.com/2020/03/keeping-our-collective-chins-up.html
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Thanks so much, Karen!
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Matt, this post is filled with congratulatory news. I am delighted for you and think your poem is clever. Of course, I love reading Lee’s poem and so happy that there is something new to read. Thanks for hosting today. My post is at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2020/03/spring-forwardsolsc13.html.
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I forgot to mention that I liked your poem in the contest and voted for it.
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Thank you for all your support,Carol, it’s appreciated!
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I’m eagerly awaiting Construction People! And, I’m thrilled to hear about Night Wishes. What a boon for readers! I WAS going to be busy this weekend. But, alas…..So, I’m sharing a tiny bit of green at A Word Edgewise. https://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/
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Thank you, Linda!
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Ooh, I especially love the hum, the sing, the tap, and the chime. Such lovely words to capture the noise of a construction site! Congrats on ALL the good news. Wow! And I love your submerged poem! Voted:>)
I’m at https://laurasalas.com/poems-for-teachers/belief-in-birds-and-asking-teachers-for-poetry-tips-poetry-friday/ with a poem and new life for some art from ruined books. And asking teachers to share their favorite classroom poetry-writing tips for an upcoming presentation.
Thanks for hosting!
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Thank you for all the support, Laura! I’m grateful for folks like you and so many others.
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Okay, poetry people: I’m here with the reality check, the global perspective, yes, the coronavirus edition. But it’s more positive than you might expect. And poetry has its role.
https://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2020/03/another-way-to-look-at-it-coronavirus.html
Thanks for hosting, Matt.
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Thanks, Heidi!
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Yay, I love an old-school roundup! Here’s my post: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2020/03/poetry-friday-redstart.html
Thank you for hosting! I’ll be back after work to read what you said!
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Thanks, Ruth! No fancy apps or plug-ins for me. 😉
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I voted! Good luck in the Madness. Also congrats on all your anthology poems. These look so fun, and I’m sure you feel a sense of pride as well as sadness in being included in LBH’s final work. I have the 2020 Progressive Poem sign up this week: https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2020/03/13/kidlitosphere-progressive-poem-sign-up/
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Thanks so much for the support, Margaret!
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Good luck in the Madness! I have fond memories of the early years of the competition!
I’ve got some unanswerable questions for today:
https://readingyear.blogspot.com/2020/03/poetry-friday-uncertainty.html
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Thank you, Mary Lee!
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Thanks for sharing your poems, Matt. And good luck in the contest! I wrote a short free verse poem today inspired by a trip to Phoenix. https://imaginethepossibilitiesblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/poetry-friday-montezumas-castle/
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Thanks so much, Rose!
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Congratulations on all the lovely happenings, Matt. I’ve got another (red) summer (!) poem to share as part of my ARTSPEAK: RED series. https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2020/03/another-red-summer-poem.html Thank you for hosting!
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Thank you, Irene, and congrats again on “Dictionary!”
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Congrats on having poems in both of Lee’s upcoming anthologies. Enjoyed both poems from Construction People.
I’m all about breakfast at Alphabet Soup this week with a poem by Ryan Warren:
Thanks for hosting!
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Breakfast? Did you say breakfast?? It’s the best meal of the day – and I’d be fine if breakfast is lunch or dinner, too! Thanks, Jama!
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Oh, I am missing Lee. Thank you for sharing his books and the peeks… Thank you, too, for hosting. Happy Madness!
Over at The Poem Farm, I have a poem titled “The Land of Notknowing” – another poem for children in the time of COVID-19.
Take care.
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Thanks, Amy – and congrats, as well, on your inclusion in “Construction People!”
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Thank you for hosting today, Matt! Congratulations on all the upcoming books! I know several little friends who will love Construction People!
I’d love it if I could serve the entire PF community a piece of pie in honor of Pi day tomorrow, but we’ll have to settle for this virtual slice:
https://readingtothecore.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/poetry-friday-the-comfort-of-pie/
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Thank you so much, Catherine – I’m always ready for Pi(e)!
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Hey Matt, just wanted to let you know that my link is connecting to TeacherDance. Can you please fix?
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Done! I knew that had happened, but thought I’d corrected it – for some reason WordPress wouldn’t save the change! Should be all set now, though…sorry about that!
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Parker Palmer posted Lynn Unger’s PANDEMIC today. I loved it.
https://carolwscorner.blogspot.com/2020/03/poetry-friday.html
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Thanks for sharing this, Carol!
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Wowza, Matt! I read, and read, and am going to come back for the rest of your post! You’ve got lots of good going on!
Here’s my link today:
https://mainelywrite.blogspot.com/2020/03/madness-is.html
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Definitely a busy day today, Donna! Thanks so much!
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Thanks for reminding us about Madness! Poetry. I voted and I’m sharing the link with my middle school book club today. I’m looking forward to new anthologies. Congrats on having poems in both of them.
My golden shovel poem,”Moving Forward,” is a call to “hear the hum” during tough times. I found my words from Dictionary for a Better World by Irene Latham and Charles Waters.
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Thanks so much for the support, Ramona! Looking forward to reading your poem.
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Here’s my link – https://pleasuresfromthepage.blogspot.com/2020/03/sol-1331-poetry-friday-finding-words.html
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Thanks for hosting all the goodness. I have a poem for social distancing greeting and an offer up student poetry postcards for National Poetry Month.
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Thanks, Jone – I’ve updated the page!
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I’m riffing off the Macbeth witches this week. What can I say? It’s what popped into my head this morning! Thanks so much for hosting this week and congratulations on all your exciting news! Good luck with March Madness!
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Thank you so much, Molly!
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Your busy is always exciting, Matt! Thanks for hosting, and best of luck with March Madness! This week I’m feeling thankful in spite of the chaos. https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/thankful-solc20-sol20-poetryfriday/
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Thanks, Christie!
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Loved your Madness poem, Matt. Sorry this is a day late! Things have been hectic with adjustments brought on by COVID-19. https://rebeccaherzog.com/2020/03/14/poetry-friday-icy-ponds-girl-scout-cookies/ I share a poem from Laura’s February challenge.
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Better late than never, as they say! Thanks, Rebecca.
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