This month, I’m joining several writers to play with poetry for National Poetry Writing Month. While I’m waiting for my haikubes and metaphor dice to arrive, I thought I’d try some book spine poetry.
Whenever I’m in the schools observing, there’s one student who always interests me the most. You know the one. That kid. The one whose reputation precedes him. The one who refuses. The one who defies. The troublemaker. I think about that kid a lot and wonder how school could be transformed into a place that would feel relevant, engaging, meaningful, safe, even joyful to him. I had his voice in mind writing this poem.
School Blues
limbo
endurance
the honest truth?
the worst hard time
the death of the heart
the dirigible plum 
Great job with book spine poetry. And you nailed the description of ‘that’ kid.
Wow! The death of the heart slays me. So much depends on our embracing these wild ones and loving them to pieces doesn’t it? At least, that’s what I learned in a lifetime of teaching. Love really is the answer.
Yep. Sadly, this sums up the school experience for many. I wish it weren’t true. The question mark after “truth” is a poignant touch.
Pingback: Book Basket Spine Poem: Playing with Poetry #playingwithpoetryNPM | Reflections from a Coach