Today is the last day of the semester. I'm happy and a bit sad all at once. To celebrate, I'm going to give away a poetry book!
Stanza, written by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Jack E. Davis, is the story of a dog who LOVES to write poetry. Here's how it begins.
Also, I'm giving away a book from one of today's poetry makers! Leave a comment on THAT post (you'll have to figure out which one it is!) and you'll be entered to win a copy of the poet's newest book. Hurry though, that contest ends at midnight tonight!
Stanza prowled through the streetsFor a chance to win this book, leave a comment letting us know about your favorite place to write poetry. You have until midnight tomorrow to enter. On Sunday the winner will be chosen.
with his two rotten brothers,
annoying and chasing and bullying others.
Folks, called him "Bad doggy!"
or "Flea-bitten thug!"
or "Scoundrel!"
or "Bonehead!"
or "Slobbery lug!"
But once Dirge and Fresco were sleeping at last,
Stanza cautiously . . . silently . . . slowly crept past
to a shadowy space
tucked away
out of sight
where he sat with a pad
and wrote poems all night.
Also, I'm giving away a book from one of today's poetry makers! Leave a comment on THAT post (you'll have to figure out which one it is!) and you'll be entered to win a copy of the poet's newest book. Hurry though, that contest ends at midnight tonight!
This sounds like a winner for those who are afraid poetry is just a bit wimpy -- how CUTE is it that he pesters and then hides to write poetry!?
ReplyDeleteAnd, happy end of semester! I think I know how you feel. :)
ReplyDeleteI write poetry most anywhere as long as I have a notebook and a pen. I've not quite embraced the habit of carrying a notebook everywhere I go, so I guess you could say my favorite place to write poetry is in my head. Stanza is a great name for a dog. I'll soon be getting a puppy and Jill Esbaum's book has inspired me to consider a poetic name for my new puppy.
ReplyDeleteMy 4 year old son loves poetry. We are currently reading a few poems out of Bill Martin Jr.'s collection. Its the most focused he is all day. I don't write much poetry, but if I do it is outside with the kids.
ReplyDeleteI love to write poetry on a warm spring day under the Hackberry tree with my yellow labs, Annie and Maggie lounging nearby. Do I get the chance often? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read Stanza. My library doesn't have it yet, but I've asked them to order it. I hope they do.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite place to write poetry is sitting beside water--pond, lake, ocean. Preferably with not TOO much wind. Some activity going on around me is fine, as long as it's not incredibly noisy. A little sunshine...ahhhh.
I teach kindergarten. I love my students' poems. They are sooo funny!!! I'd love to have this for my classroom!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
In my bed at night alone without tv or distractions is the perfect time.
ReplyDeletequelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com
I usually write poetry down when I'm at my desk, but I compose most of it while I'm out walking with my dog. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm crazy, as I'm often speaking lines or phrases, listening to how the rhythm and meter are working. Thank you for these fabulous posts, Tricia. I've learned so much from you and all the great poets you've interviewed.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
My favorite place to write poetry (which was only available to me for a year) was the Japanese garden in Hikone, Japan, where I taught English for a year. It was peaceful, serene and absolutely gorgeous in every season!
ReplyDeleteFlea-bitten thug? I like to sit outside on our deck and write my letter, poetry, journal. Basically the only place I can get away without getting away.
ReplyDeleteI like to go into the bed room and shut the door and write my poetry :)
ReplyDelete