Reader’s Apology
Reader’s Apology
What? Were you talking to me?
I’m sorry I didn’t hear.
I hope you will understand.
Even though you can see me,
I’m not actually here.
I’ve been sucked into my book.
This month Michelle Barnes shines her spotlight on Jane Yolan. To celebrate her book The Alligator’s Smile and Other Poems, Jane has challenged readers to write septercets, a form she invented. Septercets are composed of stanzas of three lines; each line has seven syllables. The poems can have any number of stanzas and may be rhymed or unrhymed. I found them interesting to write. Every form has its own characteristics and part of using a new one is discovering its secrets. Apparently I was not alone in finding the septercet appealing because Michelle’s September padlet is booming.
Next week I’ll be at Poetry Camp at Western Washington University with many other Poetry Friday poets. I can’t wait to meet everyone in person. I’m pretty sure we’ll be breaking the world record for most children’s poets in one place.
Happy Poetry Friday!
Liz
I am beyond sad I can’t be there. Live stream 24/7 maybe? Love your poem. Sooooooo true! My goal was always for all kids to experience this!!!
Oh, I wish you could be there too!
Oh I know this reality!!
Funny to catch yourself saying, “You have to stop reading!”
Your poem made me smile (love the pic too). Enjoy Poetry Camp next week!
Thank you!
The padlet IS booming, Liz, but I’m so glad you joined in! I always look forward to your poems. 🙂 Something tells me (could be the stack of FIVE books), that an apology isn’t really coming anytime soon… but who can complain about that?!!
PS, have a blast at Poetry Camp!
Okay, yeah I made up the part about the apology. : )
I’m like this with writing, too – sorry, I know I looked like I was here, but my brain is actually far away in a story I’m crafting! 😉
Yes, that’s me too. Also, it’s nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Exactly right, Liz. And, wow, so many of you are going to Poetry Camp. I had a great time last week at Highlights, and now this time in Washington sounds quite marvelous. Happy Travels and time with all those great people!
I was so jealous of you all at Highlights! It looked wonderful and so many wonderful people together there too.
Love this one! Nothing better than being “sucked into a book!”
Thanks, Amy! So fun to see you here!
I love this poem, Liz. It’s perfect. Thanks.
Thanks, Rosi. I’m so glad you stopped by.
Your septercet is perfect! I say this to my husband all the time. Have a wonderful time at Poetry Camp. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thanks, Catherine!
What a perfect pic and poem – and if there WERE an actual apology, of course we would delightfully accept it.
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN A FEW DAYS… :0)
I’m afraid this will be me when your workshop is over. Everyone will be packing up and I’ll be working away without even hearing!
My kids have agreed to all kinds of things when they are reading because they aren’t paying attention! Have fun at Poetry Camp!
Ooooh! Very clever. I suppose they deny it all when they check back in. That’s what my big son would do. Deny all knowledge of any prior conversation.
Liz, the aha moment when a child gets sucked into the book is the beginning of a lifelong journey.
It’s so great to see them that way, it’s hard to interrupt with things like dinner and homework.
Oh, this poem rings true in our household – parent and child alike! You’ve perfected the septercet form perfectly in this poem, Liz! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend! =)