Early Bird
Oh, if you're a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you're a bird be an early bird--
But if you're a worm, sleep late.
---Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
Oh, April and rain, little boys and the things that fascinate them--including a worm or two. All these elements came together after two of our grandkids stayed overnight this past week and explored the rainy outdoors the next morning. Stir in some of Shel Silverstein's genius, and you've got your own kind of poetry!
And speaking of poetry, many of you probably already know that April is National Poetry Month. Though I may not be contributing poetic material for the cause, I'm loving some of the highlights others are sharing. A few samples:
- 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month, Poets.org
- Collaborating with Language by Dana Gioia, Writer Magazine
- The Reluctant Poet: Roseanne Barry, Caroline-by-Line
- History behind National Poetry Month
- National Poetry Month links and activities over at Reading Rockets
- Art-Inspired Haiku, National Gallery of Art
Will you be an early bird this weekend--or the worm? What part does poetry play in your life?
Happy Poetry Month!
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I definitely would sleep late if I was the worm.
ReplyDeleteI love that poem. I was an early bird yesterdya and the worm today. :)
ReplyDeleteI love poetry, but I don't read enough of it! I certainly enjoyed my M.A. courses in Victorian poets, Romantic poets, Modern American poets (Pound, Elliot, Williams), Irish literature (Yeats) and two ... or was it three? courses in Shakespeare. For a while many years ago, I reveled in poetry.
ReplyDeleteWish I could sleep late. I envy people who can do that.
ReplyDeleteI love poetry - and your photo, which is a visual poem! What a darling little boy!
Love the picture! I think it's funny that that little guy loves birds just as much as worms, well actually even more as you know. Just picture him at the kitchen window spotting one out on the grass and his little phrase is "birda-birda-birda-birda" and he follows it along to the next window, and finally the patio door window until it's gone. Now that is devotion, and very poetic to all of us in the household who admire that devotion! (Angelica does the "birda-birda-birda" call now, too).
ReplyDeleteI would like to start reading poetry to the kids. Lanita recommended a title a while back, but if you have any suggestions let me know.