This Picture - Writing What We Do Not See

Country Road

Photo by Amy LV

Click the arrow to hear me read this poem to you.

Students - One exercise I have tried in a writing workshop is to "write about a photo that has never been taken, a photo that should have been taken".  This is a great exercise because there are so many meaningful snips in our lives that we do not document with pictures.  As a second part of this exercise, sometimes the leader asks us to write about the story that does not show in the photograph.  Every photograph has things you can see...and things you cannot see.

This morning, driving Henry home from his swim practice, we were tickled to see a parade of ducklings crossing the road with their mom.  I put on my flashing lights, stopped the car, got my camera, and the two of us got out to look.  Wobble, wobble went the ducklings into the tall grass, and my camera was not quick enough to catch it!

Today's driving surprise was an gift, a reminder of the unexpected beauties that wait around every corner.  This photograph and poem, my souvenirs of that moment in time, nudge me to find magic in unlikely places.  I find myself wondering about all of the befores and afters of every moment I have ever lived, the happenings right before and right after I leave a meadow or a room.

Keri is hosting Poetry Friday!  Head on over to Keri Recommends to find out all of what is happening poetry-wise in the Kidlitosphere today.

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