Poetry, Prompts, and Pizza

Last night the boys and I went to the library for "Poetry, Prompts, and Pizza." Once again I am pleasantly surprised at the events offered in our small community. When I first mentioned the event to the boys, their response was a reminder of the truth in the adage, "...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." C wanted to know what he could win, and K wanted to know how they pick the winners. I had to inform them that, gasp, the event was just for fun and that it wasn't a competition. After quietly reflecting on why anyone would offer an event that showcases talent without naming a victor, both boys decided they would still like to attend.

It wasn't necessarily an event for kids. There were about 5 or 6 high school students and 2 or 3 kids C and K's age. We missed the first part of the event because the boys had soccer practice. But from what I could gather we missed a talk about poetry, its various forms, and a fun group effort at making a poem. We arrived for the writing portion. There were about 30 people in attendance, all were busy writing their poems. The boys wandered around the room looking at the various poetry writing prompts before they started writing. C announced that he didn't want to use a prompt as he had his own ideas. K started with a poetry outline that was something like a "Madlib." There were no words built in, but there were blanks that were labeled, "noun," "adverb," etc. K soon gained confidence. After K deemed my many topic suggestions to be unworthy, he chose his own topic and started writing.

The librarian wandered by as the boys were writing and informed them that they would have an opportunity to read their poetry for the group at the end of the event if they would like. Without even thinking about it, C knew he wanted to read his poem, and confidently announced that he would be reading. K was more hesitant. He said, "I think I have stage-fright, it bothers my stomach." K wasn't sure if he wanted to read in front of everyone. I told him he definitely did not have to read, but that he would not regret taking on the challenge and that it would be good for him put himself in an uncomfortable situation. After a few minutes of thought K said, "I think I would like to challenge myself." Any remaining doubt was erased when the librarian walked by again and mentioned that anyone who reads his/her poem will receive a piece of candy. "I am going to read," K quickly nodded with confidence. It is amazing what kids will do for a fun-size chocolate bar. Candy as a reward for kids is a personal pet-peeve, but that is another post.

I wasn't aloud to even peek at C's poem as he was developing it, so I can not take credit/responsibility for the content. I did however lend a hand with some spelling when called upon. K was initially less secretive, but after noticing C's covert writing, he too decided I should not be permitted to read as he wrote. When the time to read the poems came, C's hand shot up, and he was very quick to remind K that he wanted to raise his hand too. When at last C's turn came I was so incredibly proud to hear him read out loud, very well, and with confidence. I confess, I had tears in my eyes by the time he read the second line.

C's poem:

Sound
Sound is loud or soft.
Or, sound could be just your mom saying I love you
Or, just the tweet of a bird
Or, just the sound of the breeze
Or, the smoosh of you stepping on a banana
Or, the occasional mating call from a robin

I was equally impressed with K when he read his poem. Moments before he read he couldn't even decide if he wanted to read, but when the librarian pointed to "the boy in the red shirt," he stood up, pushed his chair back, and read loudly, clearly, and with confidence that would never betray his stage fright.

K's poem:

Birds
Did you know the bird's curved wing help propel him through the air?
So he can fly through the air?
So he can find food?
Owl
The owl can hear a twig snap some feet away
Which make the owl find food easier

Emboldened by his initial success and thoroughly pleased with the audience's response, C quickly set to work writing another poem. As the others continued to present their work, C continued to write. He wrote four more poems, and was heartily disappointed when there was only time for each person to present a single poem.