Ghost and Jack
Photo by Amy LV
Students - I often think about the days before and after holidays. Today found me thinking about the sheet I still use on a bed sometimes, the sheet with eye holes cut into it. See, four years ago, I was a ghost for Halloween, back when our black cat Fiona was small. And I haven't had the heart to throw the sheet away. You can see it in the picture (taken today) above, with Jack and in the picture below, with Fiona.
Amyghost & Fiona, 2014
Photo by Someone LV
I so like pretending to be other things, and today, as I sit beside a lit pumpkin after the holiday, I like thinking about how special days come and go and how our memories remain. This is not the first time I have done this...perhaps I am a wistful and nostalgic gal.
Not sure what to write? Think about the days before or after a big holiday or event. Write from your point of view or from the point of view of someone or something else. Switching perspective helps a writer understand something in a whole new way.
And I have a question for you to think about. Just when did you realize that the speaker in this poem was a bed sheet, anyway? I considered using the word sheet in the title...but then, instead, I chose to preserve a bit of mystery until a few lines in. Remember this: as author, to a certain degree, you control when readers make various realizations. These decisions are in your hands, my friend, so have some fun with them.
I very much look forward to the Rochester Children's Book Festival tomorrow! It is always a treat and an honor to attend this wonderful event in Rochester, NY.
Jama is hosting this week's Poetry Friday roundup at Jama's Alphabet Soup with a wise and beautiful call to vote and a poem by Judith Harris. Please know that each Poetry Friday, we gather together to share books, and poetry ideas all at one blog. Everyone is always welcome to visit, comment, and post. We invite you!
Please share a comment below if you wish.
