The End of the Ride and the Start of a War
Paul Revere’s ride ended at Lexington, where he was captured by British soldiers. (They let him go later.) Samual Prescott carried the word on to his hometown of Concord while the militia of Lexington gathered on the green at dawn of April 19, 1775, to face the British troops marching their way. The youngest member of that militia was the Johnathan Harrington, the piper.
Give us a song, Jon
they say
and I do
but how can I give them
a spray of notes
a wisp of melody
how can I give them somethings
none of us can hold?
When that dawn breaks
my tunes float out
into the chill gray air,
carrying the captains orders
to every soldier’s ear:
Gather here Stay together Stand fast
and I hope I’ve given them something
all of us can hold
A Summer Poem
I’ve been working lately on a collection of poems united by themes of the natural world, the seasons, and clothing or textiles. Yep, clothes. Just a thing I’m playing with.
Since summer has arrived in Maine all in a rush (time to get the flannel sheets off the bed, I guess), I’m sharing one of my summer poems.
Small World
What does a worm wear?
miles of earth
deep dark tunnels
cool soft spaces
What does a firefly wear?
dim purple twilight
an endless hush
between dawn and dusk
What does a mosquito wear?
the sharpest sword
What does a cricket wear?
music
What does a honeybee wear?
heavy golden dusk
slow summer days
sweetness
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Spring Poem
Thanks to FotoRieth from Pixabay for the lovely image!
It’s a cold, gloomy, rainy, SNOWY spring day up here in Maine…but it did give me a bit of inspiration for a spring poem, which I thought I’d share with you.
Party Dresses
Spring throws a party
and everyone’s going,
everyone’s wearing their best.
Daffodils nod their new golden bonnets.
Hyacinths brush up their purple-prink frills.
Tulips sashay in their deep crimson ballgowns.
Pansies slip on their soft velvet shoes.
Even the rain has been invited,
shaking her long silver hair.
Spring throws a party,
and everyone’s going.What about you?
Come too!
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Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman recites “The Hill We Climb” during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Take note, young writers–she is 22 years old. Start practicing now–this could be you!
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly