I don’t write frequently on topics of peace, social justice, and patriotism, since I tend toward nature and science poems. Still, I’ve written some over the years, and I thought it might be helpful to share them all here in in one place. These small reads are great for starting discussion around justice and human rights and peace. You know, the easy topics–ha! I always announce any new Small Reads Roundups  in my Small Reads quarterly e‑letter for educators. Subscribe here! My intent is to give you free, accessible poetry. If a link’s not working, please let me know–thank you :>) Some of the poems are just exercises and first drafts, while others are more polished. You can always try clicking on a image or link to see if more info or writing process was shared about that poem.

Poems

The U.S.A.

Doorway of the U.S.A.

–Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved

–Laura Purdie Salas, from Tiny Dreams, Sprouting Tall: Poems About the United States

Flag Music

Luff-luff-luff-luff
like a clipper’s great sail

Rat-a-tat-tat
Like a stormy day’s hail

Creak up and down
Like squeaky old brakes

No matter the sound
that our flag outside makes

Still day or windy

Quiet or loud

It makes me feel safer

And stronger and proud

–Laura Purdie Salas, from Tiny Dreams, Sprouting Tall: Poems About the United States

Things to Do if You Are a Firework

Wear rainbow colors
Dance in the sky on the 4th of July
Wish for sunny weather

War, Peace, & Equality 

A draft inspired by this photo:

The inspiration for the poem below is here.

Togetherness and Interdependence

Refugees & Asylum Seekers

 

This draft below was inspired by the photo above.