Irene Latham's Blog, page 21

Homeschool Poetry Party! (For the Love of Words)

 Hello and welcome to your every-9th-of-the-Month Homeschool Poetry Party!

I love words. Don't you? I love the way they taste and how they feel rolling around in my mouth.

Dictionaries? Yes!

Thesauruses? Delicious!

Books celebrating words? YUM!

(Future Word Nerds are sure to enjoy ABSURB WORDS by Tara Lazar!)

And sometimes (okay, A LOT of times, I like to invent words.

Have you ever invented a word?

Poetry is a great place to put your invented words! Do you know the poem “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll? It contains quite a few invented words.

Here are three invented words in the poem:

1. Jabberwocky – yes, the title of the poem is an invented word! It's a noun (person, place, or thing).

Right now, before we go on, draw a picture of what you think a “jabberwocky” might be.

2. Frabjous – this word is used as an adjective, which means it describes something... “O frabjous day!”

Before you read the poem, what kind of day do you think a “frabjous” day would be like? Happy, sad, windy, hot, winter, spring? Write down a few synonyms.

3. Whiffling – this word is used as a verb, which means it's an action.

Describe the kind of action you imagine a “whiffle” or “whiffling” to be. Is it like “sleep” or “sleeping” or like “run” or “running”? Or something else entirely?

Now here's the poem.

Jabberwocky

by Lewis Carroll

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

'Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!'

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood a while in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One two! One two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

'And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

-----

Did your guesses match the poem? Do your definitions “fit”?

Whether they did or not, the great news is that you, too, can write a poem with invented words! 

I invented A LOT of words for my book D-39: A Robodog's Journey.

For those new to the Homeschool Poetry Party, you're invited to join the mailing list and download an Invent-Your-Own-Word worksheet. 

I suggest you invent at least 3 words: one noun, one adjective, and one verb.

Once you've invented a few words, try placing them in a poem! Maybe your poem will be a story-poem like “Jabberwocky.” Maybe it will be about an imaginary creature... or a robodog! Or something else. It's up to you!

You're invited to share your poem on our community Poetry Party padlet.

Coming next month: an exciting announcement about a Poetry Party LIVE virtual event, and you're all invited! If you're not already on the mailing list, be sure to join so you don't miss anything.

Welcome to 2022 ArtSpeak: Animals!

 

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Carol at Beyond Literacy Link for Roundup.

It's been an exciting week here at Live Your Poem... AFRICAN TOWN, my latest project with Charles Waters, released this past Tuesday. (There's also an audio version with a whole cast to represent the 14 voices, and when I listened to the first few poems, it made me cry. Beautifully done!)

Celebrations have included:

 an interview on NPR Weekend 

a live book launch at Alabama Booksmith, during which we signed 260 books! The best part was Charles and I got to hang out in person for the first time in 2 years. :)

And... it's the start of a new ArtSpeak year! I've selected "Animals" as my theme. I'll be featuring public domain art found on wikiart.org.

When I sat down to write my poem this week, I realized that just because the art features an animal, it doesn't necessarily mean my poem will be *about* the animal.

I am always looking for unique angles, what's outside the frame... and listening for what the art is trying to tell me. So who knows what kind of poems I'll be writing this year?? I can't wait to find out. :)

Here's today's poem. Thanks so much for reading.

When a steep wind sends you sailing over treetops

as you hurtle
into unknown
currents

take a moment

a single windblown
moment

to look back
on what was

and then—
flap
      focus
                 FLY

- Irene Latham

Map to a New Year (poem)

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit for Carol's Corner for Roundup.

Many of us in this community select One Little Word as a muse, guide, touchstone for the year. My word for 2021 was "Bewilderment," and I reflected on my experience with the word in my most recent Adventures in Ink newsletter. Read it here.

For 2022 I've selected the word WHIMSY.

According to my research, whimsy is something unusual, unexpected, fanciful, playful. I found it in a magazine recently (in photo!), and I read Mary Oliver admonishing herself to be more whimsical in her book of essays Upstream. I also read that the Mona Lisa may have, in fact, been Leonardo's most famous moment of whimsy. Art historians think perhaps he created that face with that smile for his own amusement. (Cool, yes?) The pencil in the photo to the left contains a quote from Little Women: "I like good strong words that mean something." :)

Combine all that with the fact that for years Paul has shaken his head at my sometimes "impetuous" behavior. It's true, I've been known to do things without thinking them through all the way—"on a whim"—and this has sometimes led to heartbreak, disappointment, and tough moments!

But other times my impetuousness has led to some really beautiful moments. And that's what I'm opening myself to this year. Bring on the unexpected, unusual, fanciful, and playful!  

I look forward to reading about everyone else's new One Little Word.

Today marks the last poem of my 2021 ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS project. What fun I've had writing through the seasons! I did get a little weary by the end of each season, though... I was ready to move on before the calendar said it was time to do so! (This *might* be a running theme in my life. :) View the entire collection on padlet. And come back next week to see what theme I've chosen for 2022! (I've waffled and waffled, but I think I'm all set now. We'll see!)

Today's poem is inspired by a Mary Cassatt piece that totally makes me think of my sister, and how very grateful I am to have her. We've had some grand adventures over the years!

Map to a New Year

Sometimes it takes two
to find the just-right route.

Mountains insurmountable
by one

yield sweeping vistas
when climbed together.

If we come to a river
too deep, too long—
we'll clasp each other's hands.

Roads will likely stretch,
bend,
          crumble.

Some days you will carry me;
other days I will carry you.

- Irene Latham

Christmas Eve Poem

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit (brilliant) Buffy Silverman for Roundup.

Lo and behold, it's Christmas Eve! We've just returned from the Florida Keys, where we were unexpectedly blasted into the holiday spirit by all the decorations, island-style.

It got me thinking about how this is my almost last ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS poem, and is there such a thing as famous Christmas art? Well, yes there is! I found a wonderment by Henri Matisse, which inspired today's poem. And I also discovered famous paintings altered to include Christmas images... like this Starry Santa Night:

 and this Santa stringing lights on one of Monet's bridges:

Fun, yes? Click here to see Santa visiting other famous artworks. 

Other island-y thoughts include some ruminations on my 2021 One Little Word BEWILDERMENT. My intention with this word was to abandon cleverness, which is of the mind, and exist instead in mystery, which is of the soul. 

It's definitely been a year of questions, and as a result discovery. I've tried all sorts of new-to-me things this year (part of my 50 Firsts upon turning 50). I've made some dramatic shifts in my priorities and goals. And I find myself here at the end of the year is a place I never could have anticipated...on the brink of I-don't-know-what! 

No need to worry... it's ALL GOOD. As Bob Ross said, "there are no mistakes, just happy accidents." By letting my soul lead, I feel I'm experiencing life and writing and relationships in a deep and fulfulling way. I'm excited to see what 2022 brings...and I know my just-right 2022 OLW to appear to me in the coming days.

And now, this week's poem. Thank you so much for reading. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Stars sing,
rest

Rivers breathe,
peace

Mountains hum,
forever

You whisper,
I believe

- Irene Latham

Poem for Lydia

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Jone Rush MacCulloch for Roundup.

I'm out adventuring this week, but I did take some time to write a very last autumn poem for my ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS! (Two more "winter" poems, and I'll be wrapping up this celebrate-the-seasons year!)

A small note about today's poem: When I saw that the artist's subject was named Lydia, I had to smile. Years ago, a dear friend suggested that if my name wasn't Irene, it would be Claire... or Lydia. 

I picked Lydia! So it was fun to find this name on the piece of art...and to write the poem as if I was writing it to an alternate me. Thank you so much for reading!

For Lydia

when they said,
you cannot carry
autumn

you said,
watch me

when they said,
winter will
swallow you

your cheeks
turned still
as moonlight

when they said,
go home
and wait for spring

a leafstorm swirled
in your heart

and in each dark eye
a tiny bonfire
sparked—               summer.
- Irene Latham

Autumn Love Song

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Cathy at Merely Day by Day for Roundup.

This week I took my final exam in art history, and I got my Master Gardener certificate! I learned SO MUCH this fall, but goodness, I'm ready for a break...

Also, I visited my mom (in north Florida), and a highlight was picking grapefruit. (I love grapefruit!) 

In even more exciting news, tomorrow our youngest son graduates with his degree in computer science...with a 4.0 (!) for his college career and a job in his pocket! Good times.

Today's ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS poem is a love poem. Every season is good for love! Thank you so much for reading.

Autumn Love Song

I want to fold into you
the way blazing maple
floods curving stream

I want to fold into you—
you who blaze
and curve and flood

as if there's
no such season
as winter
- Irene Latham

9th of the Month Homeschool Poetry Party! (Christmas Edition)

Hello Homeschool Families, and welcome to this month's Poetry Party! I'm so glad you're here.
The Homeschool Poetry Party happens here at Live Your Poem every 9th of the month (in honor of nonet poems!)

Shout-out to the Johnson family who left beautiful poems on our Homeschool Poetry Party padlet... poems about fishing and cooking and being a good person! 

What better time than a holiday to read—or write!—a poem? From Elephant Appreciation Day to Hot Dog Day, you can find some fun way to celebrate every day of the year. Here's a book full of fun poems for lots of holidays from different faith traditions and cultures—some silly, some serious—all wonderful! Check out The Poetry Friday Anthology for Celebrations compiled by Sylvia Vardell & Janet Wong.

Here at Casa Latham, we celebrate Christmas, and there's one poetry book we turn to most often during this time of year:

 MANGER, edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins with illus. by Helen Cann. It includes poems from the animals' perspectives on the Nativity story...and there are some surprises—a llama! Fish! Spider!

The first time I read the book, I realized all the living creatures had poems, but what about the manger? What did it think/feel about what was happening that special night? And so I wrote this poem:

Mangerby Irene Latham

I am but simple timber,stripped of barkand fastened by nails,softened by a fluff of hay.
But I can show youthe strength of a forest,the hope of waterand the resurrection of light.
Each day your hands will grow.May they fashion a worldwhere even the most unloveableare loved.
---Now I invite you to write a Christmas poem about the Nativity story, but from a particular point of view.  
Maybe it's a poem from one of the animals (or a favorite animal you imagine was at the Nativity scene), or maybe it's voiced by an inanimate object: what would the pitchfork say, or the myrrh? What would the barn say, or the sky? 
Your job is to be that animal or object when you are writing the poem. This is called a "persona" or "mask" poem.
To write this kind of poem, it helps to ask your animal/object some questions like the ones below. Be sure to write down your answers.
When you are that animal or object, what do you see, hear, taste, touch, smell? 
What's your "job" in the story? 
How can you help (or hurt) the scene? 
What's your secret? What matters most to you about the scene? 
Once you have your answers on paper, read back through them. Share them with a family member. Which ones are the most vivid, surprising or interesting? Which answers make you or a reader smile or sigh? Put those bits in your poem right away! 
 If you'd like to share your poem with this community, please post to padlet here. I can't wait to read them!

And now, may I ask a big favor? If you enjoyed our celebration today, would you please share it with another homeschool family who might also benefit? Poetry is for EVERYONE! 

I've prepared a free foldable zine filled with forest critters sharing what peace means to them in short poems—perfect for sharing during the Christmas season. Get yours now!
Thanks so much for sharing the celebration today. Merry Christmas! See you next month... as we ring in 2022!

An Anti-Autumn Poem

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Michelle Kogan for Roundup.

This week's 2-Minute Writing Tip is all about writers and social media/self-promotion. I had so much to share on the topic that I went over by 24 seconds. 😂

Over at Smack Dab in the Middle, I wrote about how, for writers, there's no such thing as the road not taken.

Reviews are coming in for AFRICAN TOWN, and this one's a ⭐ from School Library Connection!

"The voice of the characters is strong and... the journey itself is not to be missed."

and another  from Booklist. :)

"African Town is a compelling novel that doubles as an important historic document, invaluable for both classroom use and independent reading."

For this weeks Artspeak: FOUR SEASONS poem, I wanted to steer away from all the wonderful things about fall and instead write an ANTI-Autumn poem.

 It helped that I was feeling really frustrated about something tech-related, and I found this great piece of art in my "Fall" file. :) Thank you so much for reading.

Today I'm Feeling Autumn

I have no sunshine
to share with you—

only wind, wet,
and chill.

All my skies
are smocked
in shades of grey.

Stay,
or don't.

I have no sunshine
to share with you today.
- Irene Latham

Where the Path Bends Long and Narrow (poem)

Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Ruth at There is no such thing as a godforsaken town for Roundup.
It's been a lovely Thanksgiving here at Casa Latham/Happy Rabbit Hideaway/The Lake. So SO much to be grateful for!
In case you missed it, my new video series Tuesday 2-Minute Writing Tip #2 "Call Me Ishmael" was about embracing our identities as writers, and a practice that has helped me for many years. I hope you'll give it a listen! And if you know a writer who may benefit, I'd be so grateful if you'd pass it along to them! Thank you!
Today I'm continuing my series of question-titled poems for ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS. With just 3 more Fall poems to go (and then 2 Winter), I've got 2022 on my mind... what should my ArtSpeak theme be? We shall see...
Also, it's that time when I begin reflecting on how my One Little Word "Bewilderment" has impacted my year... and thinking about what should be my 2022 One Little Word. More on these topics soon!
For now, here's my latest poem. Thank you so much for reading!



Where the Path Bends Long
and Narrow

We are both nameless—
the trees and me—
and what is true
breathes between us:
We both come from seed
and are made mostly of water.
We both require sunshine,
rain, soil.
We both lean into
a friendly, autumn breeze.
We learn from each other—
how to stay rooted;
how to move on.
- Irene Latham

Who Paints the Leaves in Fall? (poem)

 Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit Carol at Beyond LiteracyLink for Roundup.

Yay for #NCTE21 and Janet Wong's Award for Excellence in Poetry! I'll be there tomorrow celebrating this moment with Janet... and also helping present the Children's Book Awards! This was my second year (of a 3-year term) to serve on the Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction committee...VERY excited to share with all of you our winners! :)

Finishing work on the Huck committee means I have a brief window to read books for adults! Any suggestions?? Please leave in comments!

In other news, I've started a new video series, 2-Minute Writing Tip Tuesday! You can catch the first installment here, where I share inspiration from a lovely Ray Bradbury quote.

If you are gathering with friends and family in the coming week, I wish you joyjoyjoy! I'm quite excited about turkey and all the fixings with my guys. :)

Meanwhile, here's the latest ArtSpeak: FOUR SEASONS poem, carrying forth the "question-title" mini-series I identified last week. Thank you so much for reading!

Who Paints the Leaves in Fall?

Who holds up the sky?
When oaks kick off their covers,
who tucks them snug into winter?
Who gives such crisp, whispery kisses?
Who sends snakes a-slither
and foxes foxing into their dens?
As the sun circles away
              away
a lone voice sings: Sleep, my darlings,
sleep. I'll see you in my dreams.
- Irene Latham