Dancin’ (Snow)man (by Laura Purdie Salas) [poetry friday]

Happy Poetry Friday!

First, please check out my online holiday card, featuring another adorable snowman, for all of you, my online friends! Ok, thanks:>) Now, I wrote this poem back in 2007, inspired by Mike Wohnoutka’s art for Grace Lin’s Robert’s Snow auction. I had fun writing this poem and thought I’d reshare it today. We are blessed with a ton of the white stuff here in Minnesota, so I’m in a snowy mood!

 

And here’s my audio clip of me reading the poem, with a poem starter idea at the end for teachers.

[soundcloud url=“https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125426016” params=“color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=“100%” height=“166” iframe=“true” /]

Buffy Silverman (wonderful writer who’s always up for a challenge–maybe she’ll Macarena ) at Buffy’s Blog has the Poetry Friday Roundup–enjoy!

48 Responses

    1. Thanks, Buffy. We have lots of beautiful whiteness outside. I’m not actually out *in* it all that much, but I sure love looking at it:>)

    1. Thanks, Buffy. We have lots of beautiful whiteness outside. I’m not actually out *in* it all that much, but I sure love looking at it:>)

  1. Gotta love a lively, traveling snowman! Thank you for resharing this one, Laura. Not much snow in these part, but when it comes… definitely some dancing going on. 🙂

  2. Gotta love a lively, traveling snowman! Thank you for resharing this one, Laura. Not much snow in these part, but when it comes… definitely some dancing going on. 🙂

  3. I believe that your poem belongs on my blog, Laura, ‘teacher dance’!! It’s such fun, & you’ve covered the world I think. In addition to the reading aloud, wonder if it could have music? Know any musicians who could help? Happiest of holidays to you and your family!

    1. Oh, you’re right! And I know loads of talented musicians…background music would have been fun. My audio clips are 5‑minute efforts, though. I’m not tech-savvy enough to add music quickly…

  4. I believe that your poem belongs on my blog, Laura, ‘teacher dance’!! It’s such fun, & you’ve covered the world I think. In addition to the reading aloud, wonder if it could have music? Know any musicians who could help? Happiest of holidays to you and your family!

    1. Oh, you’re right! And I know loads of talented musicians…background music would have been fun. My audio clips are 5‑minute efforts, though. I’m not tech-savvy enough to add music quickly…

  5. Gorgeous ornament you have there, Laura! I can see how it would be inspiring. Your online card is a great idea. Maybe I will make one next year. Happy Holidays! All the best in 2014!

    1. I wish I had it:>) I was just one of the volunteers who blogged about various snowflakes to promote the auction. It is really cool, though. Yeah, online cards are nice for at least giving holiday wishes to a large crowd in a pretty way! I hope your 2014 is awesome…

  6. Gorgeous ornament you have there, Laura! I can see how it would be inspiring. Your online card is a great idea. Maybe I will make one next year. Happy Holidays! All the best in 2014!

    1. I wish I had it:>) I was just one of the volunteers who blogged about various snowflakes to promote the auction. It is really cool, though. Yeah, online cards are nice for at least giving holiday wishes to a large crowd in a pretty way! I hope your 2014 is awesome…

  7. FROZEN MARVEL

    I?m a compacted filigree
    Built from woolen mitts,
    Shaped by gaggles of giggles,
    Stacked by adolescent teamwork
    Into a frozen marvel.
    Tattered black top hat shields my dome,
    Mismatched checkers constitute eyes,
    Dirt caked pebbles complete my teeth,
    Discarded sycamore branches embody arms,
    A carrot from a recent grocery run
    Has a new responsibility as a snout.
    I worried a rabbit will eat away my smell.
    During this day of my birth I witness:
    Children building matching snow forts
    For a game of frozen battle,
    While other kids, with arms around their sleds,
    Trudge toward Nottingham Hill
    To race down its steep incline,
    Cars inching forward, testing their
    Tires on salted slick terrain,
    Teenagers knocking on doors,
    Shovels in hand, hoping to
    Pick up some extra scratch.
    The sky, a muted silver, unleashes
    Snapping winds that keep me whole.
    All is right with my universe
    Until the next morning.
    Streams of sunlight leave me
    Teary eyed and sweating as I
    Disintegrate. I?m saddened by
    Forgetting to say goodbye to my creators
    For giving me 24 hours of glorious life.

    © Charles Waters 2013 all rights reserved.

  8. FROZEN MARVEL

    I?m a compacted filigree
    Built from woolen mitts,
    Shaped by gaggles of giggles,
    Stacked by adolescent teamwork
    Into a frozen marvel.
    Tattered black top hat shields my dome,
    Mismatched checkers constitute eyes,
    Dirt caked pebbles complete my teeth,
    Discarded sycamore branches embody arms,
    A carrot from a recent grocery run
    Has a new responsibility as a snout.
    I worried a rabbit will eat away my smell.
    During this day of my birth I witness:
    Children building matching snow forts
    For a game of frozen battle,
    While other kids, with arms around their sleds,
    Trudge toward Nottingham Hill
    To race down its steep incline,
    Cars inching forward, testing their
    Tires on salted slick terrain,
    Teenagers knocking on doors,
    Shovels in hand, hoping to
    Pick up some extra scratch.
    The sky, a muted silver, unleashes
    Snapping winds that keep me whole.
    All is right with my universe
    Until the next morning.
    Streams of sunlight leave me
    Teary eyed and sweating as I
    Disintegrate. I?m saddened by
    Forgetting to say goodbye to my creators
    For giving me 24 hours of glorious life.

    © Charles Waters 2013 all rights reserved.

  9. So fun, Laura! I hope you put your own dancing shoes on and enjoy a festive Christmas. 🙂

  10. So fun, Laura! I hope you put your own dancing shoes on and enjoy a festive Christmas. 🙂

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