Poetry

The more I teach, the more convinced I become that children should be exposed to poetry from a young age, and that they should be exposed to good poetry. Yes, in the grand scheme of things poetry isn’t as important as say math, science, or learning how to write. But someone who has been taught to appreciate poetry has certain music in their heart that comes out in their writing, and there is a richness of soul that develops over time.

You don’t have to be an avid poetry fan or a poet to write well, but the echoes of harmony read in their lines translates into more moving sentences. People who can understand poetry can think more creatively, and they increase their ability to think abstractly. I think God approves of poetry—otherwise why is Psalms part of His word? Our ability to use language is a gift of the Lord, and our ability to use it well is both an imitation of our creator, and a good stewardship of the talents He has given us.

Therefore, I will continue to incorporate poetry into my literature and history lessons where I can, and I will continue to require that my students learn two poems a term. I will continue to use a poetry anthology for my 7th graders comprehension questions, and I will continue to stand in my little corner of the world and fight for the classics. So there!

Dragon

A late birthday present for my mother--inspired by a poem my kids had to read for comprehension, and after thinking about how we were encouraged to imagine and dream as children.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On the brink of morning

Found

A shred of faerie spilled into my world

Dragon

Squamous coils and gilded scales

Green

Was it really there or just a dream?

Phantom

My day was the richer for the visit

Inspiring

And the stretching of my mind beyond my eyes

Imagine.

Java Verde

I've decided to start using this again as a sort of creative journal; I was thinking the other day that I wanted to be more creative and feel more creative so I guess keeping a blog limping along might be a good way to start.

Last term break I was working on finishing the Java Verde socks, and I've been enjoying them in my fight against the chilly floors this term. I wish I had made the cuffs a bit longer, and am actually toying with the idea of picking up stitches and adding on, but such thoughts are madness, and I'm not quite ready to engage in that level or madness yet! I love the way the colors worked between the two of them--the swoosh across the top is so awesome! I also liked the patterned gusset and thought I'm not a major fan of the star toe, it does so some interesting things to the lines of the sock. All in all, a good companion for my two trips down to Luasaka.

Java Socks Pattern