Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
I’m still processing NCTE 2023, but I know proposals are in progress right now for NCTE 2024, with its theme of Heart Hope Humanity. I’d love to attend and take part in 1–3 sessions. I’m especially interested in poetry, picture books, nonfiction, writing process, and social emotional learning. I think SEL is a great focus for NCTE 2024, and my second picture book of the year deals with imperfection, equity, and self-worth. Several of my other books, like We Belong, Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten, Finding Family, and Meet My Family, have a heart of SEL themes too. If you or someone you know’s looking for a tradebook author for your proposal, please reach out (or share my post). Thanks so much!
Also, I have 2 time slots left for World Read Aloud Day on Feb. 7, 2024. My openings are at 9am and noon Central Time. If you’re interested, please go here and read the details. Then fill out the form if the brief program I’m offering is a good fit for you and your students. Thanks!
Now, for Poetry Friday! Ya know, 2023 has been kind of a rough year. I’ve had a lot of disappointments in my own career, and I’ve also watched many talented creators who are friends or family be knocked about by low exposure, low sales, and a feeling of weariness. I wrote the first draft of this poem on the plane on the way to NCTE a few weeks ago. Here’s the stage it’s at now, this poem that’s for anyone who needs it!
And for your weekly poetry fix, head on over to the Poetry Friday Roundup at the blog of Patricia Franz this week! Thanks, Patricia!
14 Responses
Laura, this is lovely…and I ❤️ the nature connection!
Thank you, Laura! Your poem is so encouraging. I especially love “keep singing in scalloped edges” — beautiful
Beautiful because of its truth. Hang in there, Laura. We are depending on new and refreshing art for kids that need their adults to not give up. I am cheering you on from behind the book shelves!
Laura, thank you for your unwavering inspiration and encouragement of fellow writers. Even through your own difficulties, you reach out and lift up others. Wishing you great things in the new year!
I am hopeful for better in the new year, Laura, and I wish you the same. writing a poem that shows beauty in our world, “a dream of green mysteries”, asking people to look up, feels as if you are hopeful, too, ready for a new, good, year! That’s my wish for you, too!
Aw, I love that poem. It’s so encouraging.
You always offer wonderful words of encouragement, Laura — even when you are struggling yourself. Thank you for this. It’s hard, with veins exposed, to sing in scalloped edges — even when no one is paying attention. But oh, those miracles that emerge!
Laura, there is so much hopefulness in your poem. Life has its ups and downs, yet you always show the positivities. May you continue to bring joy to the Kidlit world. I am interested in resurrecting our NCTE team again but need to see if Boston is a doable trip now that I live in VA. I will let you know. In the meantime, lift your spirits and write books that make others fill their hearts with joy.
It was so strange not to see you at NCTE, Carol! <3
Hooray for the creators — the trees and the poets, the artists and the bakers!
Oh, the bakers. I see and appreciate them SO much :>D
This poem! It gives me all the feels!!! “Making leafy miracles” and “keep singing in scalloped edges” –wow! So beautiful!
so sorry–forgot to sign in. It’s Marcie. 🙂
Love your “leafy/ miracles,” and “Keep singing/ in scalloped edges,” and the fresh, leafy transparent graphics–marvelous, thanks Laura!