My New Socks
Photo by Amy LV
Students - Happy almost Valentine's Day! Today's poem is an epistle, or a poem that is a letter too. Epistola is the Latin word for letter, and this is where the name comes from.
As I often write here, wonderful poet David McCord made himself fall in love with at least three things each day. So, this week, I wrote in my notebook about things around me that I love. I made myself fall in love with a grilled cheese sandwich and a pale morning sky, with the smell of vanilla and the soft ears of our dog Cali. In the end, I wrote a love letter to this new pair of socks. It's not hard to fall in love with almost everything if you put your mind to it.
This week, with Valentine's Day on the horizon, consider writing a love letter poem to a person...or a thing! This can be a valentine or a letter of appreciation or whatever you choose. Look at our world with eyes of love! Your poem need not rhyme, but let it fall down the page with words you hold dear.
I wrote a series of thank you notes in my book READ! READ! READ!, illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke (you may see the trailer HERE). And one of the thank you notes is even to socks...yes, I do adore a cozy pair of socks, especially during a snowy winter like this one.
From WRITE! WRITE! WRITE!
Written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
Yesterday I was fortunate to meet with the second grade poets of Mifflin Park Elementary School in Reading, Pennsylvania. We looked at all kinds of poems and wrote a lot together too. I visited from my old camper, a delightful virtual visit, and it was so good to be connected. Thank you to Mr. Katzenmoyer and the Mifflin Park PTO for inviting me. I hope to read some of these students' poems in the future.Linda is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup at TeacherDance with an enchanting collection of hearts and some love poems from an 1896 book titled GEMS OF POETRY. Please know that all are welcome each Friday as folks share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship.
Lots of love to you all.
xo,
Amy
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Can I be in love with your socks, too? They're pretty great. I am still keeping my gratitude journal, and it's a bit similar to what you describe. Love hearing that about David McCord.
ReplyDeleteRockin' the socks this week, Amy! I can see why you're in love with them. Thanks for the charming poem :).
ReplyDeleteWell, I have put my mind to it and your blog post is on my list! I have warm woolly socks that have been cradling my feet all winter, and they do deserve a love poem. Thanks for this sweet idea.
ReplyDeleteI love a few socks, too, understand the love! I used to have students write love poems to anything so wonder if you wrote it with those 2nd graders. They probably have a few 'things' they love too! I love "snowfall swirls to storm". We had a bit of that today too. Happy Valentine's Day to Heart Rock Farm and you!
ReplyDelete"It's not hard to fall in love with almost everything if you put your mind to it." So True and I love your socks, Amy. The love letter poem is just right for this weekend. The words that popped out at me immediately in your poem are the ones Linda B. also loved=>"snowfall swirls to storm. Happy Valentine!
ReplyDeleteHee hee: rhyming ankles with thankful! If I didn't know you, Amy, I'd guess that there was the seed of the poem...but I know you truly love your socks and that rhyme is as genuine as your love. I have a poem called "Sock of Dreams"...I'll send it to you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a perfect prompt!
ReplyDeleteDear Amy's Socks,
ReplyDeleteI love you almost as much as she does!
Your message and poem(s) are so joy-filled: Fall in love with everything! Challenge accepted! (I love socks too!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDelete