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thinking, writing, learning

Archives for April 2012

Reflecting on #NPM

April 26, 2012 ·

I really thought I might make it, writing a poem a day for National Poetry Month. But since I’ve now missed a day, I think it’s time to end this experiment.
This was a stretch for me. My writing has been limited to feature and news stories for our local paper, academic writing, and blog posts–both personal and professional. When I opened my writing studio in January, my intent was to push myself to explore creative writing, which I loved as a child. Even as a reporter, I tried to focus on telling stories rather than covering budget hearings. One of my favorite assignments turned out to be spending the summer with homeless alcoholics in Fredericksburg. The paper allowed a three-day, front page series of stories.

Opening the studio has allowed me to dream big dreams. Write poetry? Sure. Start a novel? Why not? Work with other writers? Of course.

What I hope to do now is choose some of the poetry that has potential and toss the rest. Wendy Bishop says this: “Revision takes you from self to society, from the writer’s concerns to the readers’ concerns.”

The real work begins.


#npm

Filed Under: frustration, writing

The Dog

April 23, 2012 ·

Hot breath on my feet
Tufts of golden hair fill the house
His whines break my heart

#npm
prompt: your pet

Filed Under: Poetry

An Afternoon

April 22, 2012 ·

Rain today.

Needed, but dismal

Even the cat backs away from the open door.
The dog falls asleep to the rhythmic sound on the roof.

You gather your thoughts and remember what she said.

I am fine. Just fine.
The rain continues to fill your head with questions,
Knowing she is not.
#npm prompt: rain

Filed Under: Poetry, Uncategorized

Waiting

April 21, 2012 ·

The fringe tree in the backyard surprises us each April
delicate blossoms peek
a gift of white tears arrive
we hold our breath, not knowing for sure, but hoping
and then petals burst, swaying in the breeze
shaking glorious feathers here and there
we hold onto the promise

#npm writing prompt: a tree

Filed Under: Poetry

The Art of War

April 20, 2012 ·

A found poem…

from this source

Innovation, peace
Learning to decrease suffering, these nine-year-olds
Charismatic teacher teaches compassion
A Pentagon invitation
Inspired by Gandhian principles, the game aims to get players to build harmony while accepting the reality of violence

If somebody steals your lunchbox, you don’t go up and punch him in the face to get it back — you want to reason with them
Odd partnership, but may save us all.

 

#npm

Filed Under: Poetry

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