Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
I love Nikki Grimes’ work. Before my very first poetry collection was acquired, I attended the big national SCBWI conference in L.A. in 2006. I attended a session by Nikki on how to organize a poetry collection. She offered up so much insight, and, following her smart guidance, I eventually sold that collection.
Over the past 14 years, I’ve been lucky enough to get to meet up with Nikki personally a number of times, as well as hear her speak on many occasions. And, of course, to read the many, many books she has created. Here we are earlier this year:
Clockwise from bottom left: Laura Purdie Salas, Joyce Sidman, Amy Baum, Steve Palmquist, Vicki Palmquist, Nikki Grimes, Sharon Chmielarz
Nikki Grimes with Steve Palmquist–Steve’s shirt names Nikki’s books
Nikki writes wonderful poetry, novels in verse, a memoir in verse, novels, rhyming picture books, and chapter books (and I’ve probably left something out). I know many people are sharing Nikki’s work today, and I’m betting her more recent works will be shared a lot. So I’m reaching back a bit. My favorite books of hers are her poetry collections for kids. Many of them capture moments of great pain and healing. One of my favorites is What Is Goodbye?, which feels pretty perfect for this time of grief on so many levels. But I can’t find my copy–it’s tucked away somewhere.
In the wake of some of the destruction that went on in the rioting here in the Twin Cities, I’m sharing “Shelter,” from her book Thanks a Million (a fabulous book to pair with Thanku). Homelessness is an issue that’s close to my heart for a lot of reasons, and this poem breaks me each time I read it.
Shelter
I wish these walls were ours.
I wish this bed were mine,
that dinnertime meant just us three,
my brother, mom, and me.
I wish I had a room
that I was forced to clean.
I’d gripe to my best friend, then say,
“Come to my house and play.”
Things could be worse, I know.
At least, I’m not alone.
My mom and brother hold me tight
when I cry late at night.
–Nikki Grimes, from Thanks a Million, all rights reserved
Thank you, Nikki, for all the beautiful books you have sent out into the world. I look forward to many more! And for lots more wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Irene Latham. I’m so happy she came up with the idea to celebrate Nikki today!
Good Morning, Laura. Wow! You’ve only been published since 2006? That seems impossible to me. That’s right about the time I started writing and “trying to get good.” lol. Of course, Nikki Grimes is a perfect poet friend for you…you both blossomed about the same time with publication. Thank you for sharing shelter here today. There’s so much needed in various ways all about us. Be well.
Well, my first work-for-hire books came out around 2000. (I started learning about writing for kids around 1995.) And then my first trade picture book was 2009. It’s a long haul, isn’t it :>)
Laura, I love your back story on how you became a published poet and the photos you shared. i wish I had a photo of the night we spent having a quick bite with Nikki and friends at one of the NCTE conferences. I can’t remember which one it was but I was so grateful to be included. Thank you also for sharing the poignant poem, Shelter. I hope you are safe and tucked in writing during the pandemic.
Me, too on a photo of that night. I can picture the hotel bar/restaurant but not the city! I’m writing up a storm and working on figuring out how to make an income. Challenging times for the whole book world. But we are safe, and I’m grateful. I love how much poetry you’ve been producing and sharing!
Writing is comforting during pandemic days.
I’ve met Nikki at NCTE and wish I knew her more personally. I love this sweet, but sad poem about homelessness. Whomever she is writing about, she has a unique ability to capture the voice as well as poetry. Thanks for sharing this poem and the collection.
She does, Margaret. Voice is one of her many strengths!
Laura, I’m so glad you shared that poem which touches me deeply. And how great is Steve’s shirt?! This combination of joy and pain is something we find in Nikki’s work. And how lucky are we that Nikki’s workshop on poetry collections helped you bring yours into the world. Yay! xo
Some of the feelings from Nikki’s work are also the same ones I get in DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD…
I love seeing your pictures, Laura, & Nikki’s poem, like so many others, bring substance to so much that we all need to take notice of, help as we can. I had a student that I & others discovered was homeless, but they kept it secret for weeks before we found out. The lives children are living now need to be noticed and helped. Thanks for sharing this poem.
The shame of homelessness adds such a burden to kids already under an enormous strain. You’re so right about the lives children are living right now…
Thank you for sharing Nikki’s poem, Shelter. I felt sadness reading it but also joy, opposite emotions, both together in those lines. I send healing wishes to you and your family.
Thanks, Janice. That’s it! Those poems and books that capture both the sorrow and the joy…thanks for the healing wishes!
Love this post and your “poetry celebrity” pictures, Laura! I 100% see why ‘Shelter’ breaks you – wow! Thank you for the mention of ‘What is Goodbye?’ and ‘Thanks a Million’ – I haven’t read either, but need to…soon.
I’m not sure if my first comment went through, but just in case…I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your “poetry celebrity” photos and memories. And I 100% understand why ‘Shelter’ breaks you – wow! Also, I am motivated to get my hands on “What is Goodbye?” and “Thanks a Million” – both of which I need to read. 🙂
Looks like you weren’t signed in for the first one, so it went through as anonymous, Bridget. What Is Goodbye is just a treasure. Now I have to find my copy!
Hi dear Laura.
Amazing how a seemingly simple poem carries such weight. Will have to check out Thanks a Million.
Yes, that poem is heartbreaking. We have so much work to do. So much.
Thanks for shining light on these two earlier books of Nikki’s, I’m looking forward to reading them. And for sharing “Shelter” such a tender poem that needs to be heard–Love your pics too Laura.
What a beautiful and dad poem. Thanks for sharing it-especially now. I’m going to look for the books you mentioned as I haven’t read them yet.
Thanks for sharing your connections with Nikki Grimes! Great post! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
What a celebration of an author and friend whose work is so powerful and important … and how I can relate to needing a book that I’ve “tucked away!” The one you chose, and your topic, are searing. I know kids like this. It should not be … I don’t trust myself to say much more except thank you for sharing straight from the heart, and for stirring mine.