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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Progressive Poem 2020 - Day 15


Today marks the 15th day of the Kidlit Progressive Poem, which is being organized by Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche

It also means it is my turn. My nerves of being a first-timer are somewhat frayed, but my line feels safe knowing it is placed between Margaret and Linda Baie's lines - two writers I adore and admire.

Yesterday Margaret gave me these two lines from which to choose:

Option 1:  I stumble, reach out...there's nothing to grasp.
Option 2:  I gasp! Shudder! Breathe out. Relax...

Both options continue the suspense that was started by Kat Apel, but I chose Margaret's option 2 because I feel like this place at the lake is special, almost sacred. I wanted to keep the spirt of that peacefulness, so I turned the suspense to more of breathlessness or awe of what I see. 

Here is the poem so far:

Sweet violets shimmy, daffodils sway
along the wiregrass path to the lake.
I carry a rucksack of tasty cakes
and a banjo passed down from my gram.

I follow the tracks of deer and raccoon
and echo the call of a wandering loon.
A whispering breeze joins in our song,
and night melts into a rose gold dawn.

Deep into nature's embrace, I fold.
Promise of spring helps shake the cold.
Hints of sun lightly dapple the trees,
calling out the sleepy bees.

Leaf-litter crackles...I pause. Twig snaps.
I gasp! Shudder! Breathe out. Relax...


Since we are at the lake, I began to think about what could be the cause of the twig snap. One choice I identify, and the other I let Linda reveal.


Option 1:  as a whitetail doe comes into view.
Option 2:  I slowly inhale so not to disturb

Check out Linda's blog tomorrow to see what was behind the snap.
You can follow the poem's trail below. 

1.   Donna Smith at Mainely Write
2.   Irene Latham at Live Your Poem
3.   Jone MacCulloch at deowriter
4.   Liz Steinglass
5.   Buffy Silverman
6.   Kay McGriff at A Journey Through the Pages
7.   Catherine Flynn at Reading to the Core
8.   Tara Smith at Going to Walden
9.   Carol Varsalona at Beyond Literacy Link
10. Matt Forrest Esenwine at Radio, Rhythm and Rhyme
11. Janet Fagel hosted at Reflections on the Teche
12. Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise
13. Kat Apel at Kat Whiskers
14. Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche
15. Leigh Anne Eck at A Day in the Life
16. Linda Baie at Teacher Dance
17. Heidi Mordhorst at My Juicy Little Universe
18. Mary Lee Hahn at A Year of Reading
19. Tabitha at Opposite of Indifference
20. Rose Capelli at Imagine the Possibilities
21. Janice Scully at Salt City Verse
22. Julieanne Harmatz at To Read, To Write, To Be
23. Ruth at There is no such thing at a God-forsaken town
24. Christie Wyman at Wondering and Wandering
25. Amy at The Poet Farm
26. Dani Burtsfield at Doing the Work that Matters
27. Robyn Hood Black at Life on the Deckle Edge
28.
29. Fran at lit bits and pieces
20. Michelle Kogan

11 comments:

  1. Good morning Leigh Ann,
    Oh, this flows so well....I was just thinking about how I can see both of Margaret's lines coming next. Then I have one of yours I would put next, but I am certain Linda will send us along our way with aplomb. There is still some suspense here....our surprise may soon be revealed as we travel. I am enjoying the choice- offering format this year. Like Kat said, for me it seemed to release some of the pressure I have always felt. Terrific contributions, Leigh Ann. And welcome. Glad you are here. Janet Clare F.

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  2. I've been waiting, waiting, Leigh Anne, & you gave me some wonderful room from which to choose, both beautiful lines! Now for today, this middle of April, to imagine, to write! Thanks for the opening to travel on!

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  3. Ah, yes, Leigh Anne, keeping the peace is just what we need right now. I love the view of the whitetail doe. You did great for a first time. Isn't it fun to be a part?

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  4. Leigh Anne, I can relate to the nerves of contributing for the first time--I do think providing choices makes it easier. I love the options you give Linda -- either to go with what you see or continue the suspense a little longer. I also like you continue the peaceful walk with something awe-inspiring to see.

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  5. Wonderful suggestions, Leigh Anne. I love the way this poem is progressing but am getting nervous as my day approaches. I, too, am a first -timer. I think you did a great job. I can visualize the deer and my mind is alive with other possibilities.

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  6. Lovely! I like how you'd both discovered, and made room. A fine contribution to our poem - and especially fine for a first-time! I hope you had fun. :) Now it's over to Linda!

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  7. I do like your very considered and considerate choices, Leigh Anne--one for the indecisive who need scaffolding, and one fill-in-the-blank for those who need more freedom. I wonder which kind of person Linda B. will turn out to be (today)?

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  8. Playing catch-up this morning and pulling for our white-tailed doe. I agree that you're in good hands book ended by Margaret and Linda.

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  9. I'm playing catch up, too! Oooh, I do love the sudden surprise of a deer, but perhaps Linda has another inspiration? Off to see. Thanks, Leigh Anne!

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  10. I've been dying to know who's behind that leaf snap!

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  11. I know which line I like Leigh Anne. The poem could be taking on a zen stance. Thanks for the gentle touches.

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