Family Friday

It seems the kids are being bashful now that the site is opened up. It's hard to get anything out of them. But I am dedicated to this! Behold, my Family Friday haiku based on true coronavirus-inspired events ('cause I seem to think best in haikus)...

Morning Commute

Commuting to work

No-one out. I stop as the 

Chickens cross the road.

By: Morning commuter, Suburban Texas, USA

One Can Dream

When you can't change your surroundings, you can still change your view. 

Paintings by: I.J. & O.J., age 11, Texas, USA

Just a Few Tips

I know many people, children and adults alike, may enjoy creating works of art such as poetry, stories, paintings or sculptures, but are hesitant to share. (I'll admit that I usually count myself among those people!) But think of this as an opportunity to venture out in a safe space, without judgement. History books and museums are full of writings and doodles left behind by "ordinary people." These are not important because they are perfectly composed, but rather because they capture the feelings and attitudes of a normal person during a specific snapshot in history. NOW is one of those moments in history when people will wonder how the ordinary people felt, reacted, and lived. These poems may not make it into a museum, but it can be a record for our children to look back on some years from now, when memories of these events have faded.

I also know that sitting down with the intent to compose a piece of work, knowing that others will see/read it, can be a daunting task. This is why I put together a few tips, particularly for writing.
Think of each piece as an exercise or practice. The first poem you compose may not be amazing, but just like most people can't run a marathon their first day of training, writing and feeling comfortable writing also takes practice and training. With each attempt, you are stretching your muscles and getting closer to your goal. Also, remember that, just as with a marathon, the attempt alone can be an inspiration to others!

1. Take cues from your everyday life. Art of all kinds is usually better if it comes from a personal place. 
2. Don't stress. Remember, nothing has to be perfect. (You saw my first 2 attempts!) I believe most people are not out to judge, and those who are...well, they don't matter. Remember, those who can, do. Those who can't, are judgy. 
3. Take a look at all sorts of different kinds of poetry and mediums to figure out what works for you. While you may not be up for penning an epic poem, maybe you find that you write a mean haiku. Here are a few other poetry formats that I feel can be easy for the beginner, but this is just the tip of the ice berg. Don't hesitate to explore more options!

• Nonet: A 9-line poem. The first line has 9 syllables and each line decreases by 1 until the final line, which has 1 syllable.
• Free verse: Just let it go! No set form or rhyming pattern needed.
• Acrostic: Practice spelling as well as creativity!
• Limerick: Everyone loves a good limerick with its AABBA rhyming pattern and sing-song-y tone. 
• Ballad: 4 lines, ABAB rhyming - doesn't get much easier!

        4. Finally, have fun and be creative! 

I hope some of this is helpful. I am looking forward to seeing your works!

What To Do?

What to do, what to do?
I am so bored.
Maybe I can build a fort!
I had some fun,
But now it's done.
What to do, what to do?

I play with my dog.
I go on a walk.
Now, What to do, what to do.

I play some volleyball.
I do my e- learning.
Now I don't know what to do at all!
What to do, what to do?
Thank you, (For listening)

By: Lydia, age 12, Indiana, USA

Family Friday!

Although this blog started as an opportunity for kids to express themselves during these difficult times, we wanted to make room for other family members to flex their creative muscles as well. That's why we'll have a "Family Friday" when anyone is welcome to post a piece of work! To get the ball rolling (and to show you that it doesn't have to be award-worthy work), here are a couple of poems I jotted down today:

I Wake
The sun has risen
Birds chirp, dogs bark, and I wake.
Another day home.

Wondering
Sitting at home on a Friday night
Wondering where I would be if
I were free to come and go.
Would I be out with friends
Or out going wild?
I bet I would
probably
be at
home.

By: Kelly, age unknown, Texas, USA

Something

Something has gone wrong.
All was good till COVID struck.
All is dark and sad.

By: Jonas, age 9, Texas, USA

Pros of COVID-19

Mostly animals get

the best of this.

They can nest

with no threat.

But we fret

and are kept in fear.

They are happy 

with nothing to

worry about it.

We are sorry about it.

Nothing that they

care about,

everything we care

about.

By: Oscar, age 12, Texas, USA