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 
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