Kidlitosphere Progressive Poem 2013
When you listen to your footsteps
the words become music and
the rhythm that you’re rapping gets your
fingers tapping, too.
Your pen starts dancing across the page
a private pirouette, a solitary samba
until
smiling, you’re beguiling, as your love
comes shining through.
I love writing rhyme. After thirty years
of directing a laboratory Pre-School, it’s a part of me. The children loved
story time, but rhyming picture books were the biggest hit. So I guess when an
idea strikes me for a picture book, it almost always comes in rhyme.
Older kids like rhyme too, but what
changes is the topic: humor for boys, and some girls, flowery for most girls,
and some boys. Sometimes it’s the form. Teachers make use of haikus in class,
as well as couplets and free verse.
Poems that are puzzles, like a cleave
poem, are also a hit with older kids.
Always have a paper and writing
instrument handy. You never know when ideas will strike you. Get the gist down
and the rhyme and beat will follow. J
Another thing that is essential to
writing poetry is a good critique group. I’ve been a member of THE POETS’
GARAGE for several years. As a collective unit we’ve churned out thousands of
poems, some in children’s magazines, some in poetry anthologies for children,
and some of us also have, or will have, rhyming picture books published.
In fact, you’ve already heard from our
newest member, Matt. And following me you will be hearing from several more. So,
long live children’s poetry and enjoy our progressive poem. You can follow the poem by checking in at the blogs in the sidebar.
Warm regards,
Gayle C. Krause
