Hi Readers!
Miss D. was a finalist in the National Poetry Contest, but dangit, she didn’t win. Clearly, those judges are morons.
She did, however, score her first publication, which is Hella Lotta earlier than her mama ever did. That kid is only ten! I’m so proud of my hatchling.
In her honor, I’m posting the poem today.*
Golden Apples
The girl with the pink umbrella knows
That she is different from her head to her toes.
In a garden there’s a tree with golden apples,
And it’s different than any plain maple.
At first it seemed very lonely,
Before they truly met–
But when they joined forces,
A friendship began to set.
When she took a bite
Her dark world became bright.
She would go there every morning
and stay there until night.
The golden apples made her happy,
She was able to find her light.
Now they are both free,
Free to be who they want to be–
Different, and just as sweet.
*Happy Holiday Season, Readers! This year, I’ve decided to give you all the gift of good writing–because hey, isn’t that something we need more of in our lives? Writing that makes us laugh, that moves us to tears, that lights up the computer screen. That kind of writing makes the world go ’round.
Periodically this December, I’m going to be sharing guest posts from bloggers/writers who you may not know of, but definitely should. I hope you’ll welcome them with open arms and find them as inspiring as I do. So many of you write your hearts out, and for that I am grateful.
ps: if you’ve got something good shaking up in your bar, please email me! I’d love to share it during December.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Love it. LOVE it. You’ve got yourself a talented one! Just like her mama!
Gibs,
How are you? I miss you! I need an update…
OMG, Miss D!! I love this. Brilliant. Apple, tree, not far. :) xox
Lindsey,
The craziest thing about it was watching her writing process. She told me immediately that she was going to write about “Golden Apples.” I thought “oookay, kinda random but go for it.” She “percolated” for two days and then we took a walk and she really had written the thing already in her dang head. We walked and talked and then she came home and banged out that sucker in ten minutes.
I “percolate” too. I bet you do, as well. Kids give us these huge windows into ourselves and if we aren’t careful, we’ll miss it.
xoxo
interesting that she thought of the topic first and then wrote something so full of symbolism and inference! or maybe that’s just how us adults read it?!? haha. beautiful poem! i definitely ‘percolate’ as well.. once i have an idea formed, the words just flow.
Caitlin,
Glad to meet a fellow percolater! We are a strange breed, but the heart is in the right place.
An awesome write! Congratulations Miss D :) xoxo
Outstanding! That is one talented young lady.
Brilliant! Miss D has the gift of poetry, that is for certain.
Wonderful job by Miss D! Tell her “Congrats” from me!
Miss D, you are amazing! Shine on, beautiful child!
I love it! It’s like The Giving Tree 2.0. Now I know just what Miss D. meant when she said she was just like her mama on the inside. xo
(And how awesome is that photo?!)
Kristen,
I love that photo, too. That is the girl. She’s from another planet, but it’s a benevolent one. :)
I am in awe. That is amazing writing. And for her to be only 10. Man. What will she be doing at 30?
Jennifer,
Hopefully more than I am doing in my 40’s. :)
Congrats to Miss D! Absolutely awesome!
Lovely. Seriously lovely. What a gift! Clearly that apple did not fall far from the tree. Sorry – couldn’t resist. :) Congratulations, Miss D.!
I love this girl. Your support means more to her than you’ll ever know. I still remember my mom getting ready in the morning and patiently listening to this series of stories I wrote about pigs for my 5th grade class.
Miss D’s poem kicks my 10-year old story teller’s ass! She rocks!
Jamie,
I bet your pig story rocked. :)
awesome, awsome poem. so very impressive at any age let alone that she is only 10. i wish i had that insight and wisdom at such a young age – it speaks highly of her and the nuturing you have done in bringing her up.
jacquie,
I’m pretty sure that at age ten I was still reading comic books, not writing poems. ;)
She is an old soul. Her sense of rhythm and sporadic rhyme is lovely. :)
I had to read the comments to verify that yes indeed Miss D wrote the poem and that it wasn’t from a publication. Amazing. She is filled with your talent and sensitivity to the world. What a gift!
Phoo-d,
I worry sometimes that she’s too sensitive, but then again, I worry about everything. xoxo
I think Miss D did a spectacular job. (I hope you’re encouraging her to continue to write. My guess is she will continue on her own anyway, if she’s so talented and aware so young!)
Wolfie,
She’s been writing her own “books” since first grade.
That’s a beautiful poem. Awesome Miss D
Amazing poem. Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Oh. that was just silly. But anyway. Amazing poem. Amazing daughter.
She has her mother’s gift, truly. I loved her poem! Thanks for sharing it :)
The apple didn’t fall far from your tree KW! Love.
Beautiful poem, Kitch. And she’s only 10? Blows. My. Mind.
All that good eating must have gone to her head. Well, brains to be exact. Congrats to your Ms. D!
I just love her poem and especially that it is about being different and being ok with that – so awesome. I hope my Freyja can find that kind of wisdom.
Holy crap this is amazing! I love this poem. I was right there with the girl and her precious apples. Talented for sure!
Tiff,
Our Olivia will find her golden apples. Promise,
Congrats to Miss D! That poem and picture show her pizazz and tenderness. Simultaneously. Amazing for a 10 year old.