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SOLS: In the Backyard

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In the Backyard
[Inspired by Lisa Schroeder's verse novel: Chasing Brooklyn, p.57]


In the backyard

There is a warm breeze trying to shift the stifling air.
There are cicadas singing in the heat of the day.
There is a brilliant blue sky without a puffy cloud in sight.

In the backyard

There are kids giggling and splashing, trying to stay cool.
There is one LARGE sycamore shading us from the sizzling sun.
There are toys, bikes, trikes, and more scattered throughout the grass.

In the backyard

There is a moment at dusk when tired and quiet lay their hands upon us.
There are fireflies surprising us: glowing and blinking here, then there.
There is a mosquito -- smack! -- buzzing by my ear.

In the backyard

There is a constant reminder to sit, relax, and stay awhile.
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Comments

  1. BKJuly 19, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    I'm in your backyard, right this minute. And that's why poetry is such a fantastic medium and summer of course!

    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    As I read your poem, I too hear the song of the cicadas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. elsieJuly 19, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    My favorite words "when tired and quiet lay their hands upon us". Wow! What an image you have created. Sounds like a perfect place to be.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MardieJuly 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Your poem elicits sights, sounds, the feel of the breeze and an inner feeling of community and happiness. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda BJuly 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Love what you did with this structure, filling it up with your day with the kids. Your line about the warm breeze shifting the stifling air is great. This is certainly a summer poem!

    ReplyDelete
  6. MeganJuly 19, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    I love the structure and the imagery. Great poem!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Love it! :) What fun! I'm going to have to dig up a copy of your inspiration. Thanks for sharing that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Deb DayJuly 19, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    WOW--I love this piece, Michelle. It paints such a great picture of a summer day. I, too, was struck by the line "when tired and quiet lay their hands on us". I love the idea of it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tara @ A Teaching LifeJuly 19, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Perfect! Love the repetition of lines and all the gorgeous details.

    ReplyDelete
  10. KellylouJuly 19, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Simply beautiful.

    I especially love this:
    There is a moment at dusk when tired and quiet lay their hands upon us.
    There are fireflies surprising us: glowing and blinking here, then there.
    There is a mosquito -- smack! -- buzzing by my ear.

    ReplyDelete
  11. NoraJuly 19, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Your poem is beautiful. Great word choice.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Terje July 20, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    What a pleasant time you have in your backyard. I like the structure you used. Together with your word choice the piece becomes memorable.
    Terje

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    The firefly part made me smile. My son caught one last night and convinced his dad to let him put it in his bug catcher to watch while he sleeps. Thanks for sharing in a wonderful, repetitive form.

    ReplyDelete

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