When I used to write poetry with students, I tried to decrease the intimidation they’d inevitably feel about writing poetry by helping them find relatable topics – topics they already knew something about – both as individuals and as part of our group. Color, as I’ve written before, was always both an easy and and enjoyable way to help them relax. Exploring one color in particular, also helped them to find descriptive words using their five senses. I used Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O’Neill as our mentor text.
Another relatable topic, although I never used it much, was food. Food is something we all consume. We have favorite foods, foods we dislike, and foods we’ve never tried before. Again, food can provide some strong feelings and turn out some great adjectives – even for student writers.
Today, for Poetry Friday, I am offering two new poems I wrote this week. One was inspired by a favorite food. And, the other, was inspired by nature. Nature is often an inspiration for me personally, in both my writing and photography. I take pleasure in noting the little things around us that inspire awe – colors, the changing of the seasons, the arrangement of petals on a flower, seed heads, sunsets, butterflies, and more. I don’t often write about birds but seeing a little Junco seeking warmth on this frigid winter morning, inspired today’s second poem.
Paula’s Donuts
Paula’s Donuts The best around. No one can refute Better can be found. Each one so delicious, Glazed or cream, And, so fresh, they’ll make you scream. I, myself, prefer a French Cruller Twist. With big air holes, This, I do insist. There are sprinkles, Creams, and jellies, too. At Paula’s, you’ll find the Donut just right for you! It’s a Buffalo thing, The food you’ll find. In this oft maligned burg Of old steel factories and workers of line. The food can’t be beat, Some ethnic, some not. All I know is that it’s a Donut I want. The only stop we made On our trip for two, On I-90 to see my parents, so blue. Our next trip we are sure To have, Some weck, and wings, And other good things. A trip to Buffalo is never complete Without a taste of the favorite things we love to eat.
Winter Junco
A dark eyed Junco As cute as could be. Sitting on my fence post rail In the snow for all to see. Off he flew when I tried To capture his image. Into the bush, he hurried Like he was in a scrimmage. Looking carefully, for only A second or two. I quickly found where off He did flew. There, in the bush, he sat Not alone. For there were one, two, three, four Juncos nestled on branches, bare as bone. Smiling to myself, No one else to see. I captured my Juncos, All four of them, for me.
Today is Poetry Friday. Our host for this week is Jone Rush MacCulloch. Please visit her page for links to more awesome poetry or to submit a poem yourself! Thank you, Jone, for hosting!
The Apples in My Orchard 
Fun and poetry! Amazing! Stay warm!
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Thanks! You too!
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Hailstones and Halibut Bones is such a wonderful mentor text! I remember walking into the workroom at school one day and finding several copies of it sitting in a “free to good home” pile. I still don’t know who gave them away, but I know who has them now! I love both of your subjects today, as well as the treatments you gave them–thank you for sharing these poems with us!
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Ugh! I am so far behind replying to people! I am so sorry! Thanks for being a faithful reader, Tim! I always appreciate your comments, even if it takes me a while to respond.
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Both of these are delightful, but I really like that junco.
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Ha! Thanks!
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I love French cruellers as well. and your sweet junco. Hailstones and Halibut Bones, such a great book for teaching poetry. Also Janet Wong’s book, A Suitcase of Seaweed is great for mentor food texts.
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I’ll have to check out Janet Wong’s book. I have not done a lot of food poetry nor “body” poetry as someone in the Poetry Friday link suggested today. I’ll have to try more of both! Thanks!
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Hailstones and Halibut Bones is incredible. I wish they’d reissue it with a new, contemporary look (or maybe they have). I’m a donut fiend. I’ll be outside in line for my Mojo Monkey Donuts tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., even though we’ll be below zero with wind chill. Anything for my donuts!
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I know there are a couple of editions of Hailstones. I have an orignial – my mom’s – from her classroom library. It funny. My son edited some of my color poems and he caught things I had written that might have been offensive to some people senstive to color images. It was very helpful and made me realize how writing and references for writing have changed in recent years. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed your donut!
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One of my first stops when I get to Buffalo, the peanut is my favorite
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Yes!
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I realized when I traveled to Buffalo a few years ago that there is special food there, diners that are celebrated. I didn’t know about the donuts. The cruller twists with the big air holes sounds delish! What a sweet bird is the “dark eyed” Junco!
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Thanks, Janice! Yes, Buffalo has some great food. The donut place is new since we moved away from there – I think I read, 2006 and we left in 99. But, they are mighty tastey!
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OK, my mouth was watering by the end of your Paula’s donuts poem…yum! And thank you for the introduction and sweet poem about the wee Junco bird(s). They are adorable. 🙂
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Thank YOU!
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