Spring Poetry Recital

Chanson Innocente
e.e.Cummings

in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it’s
spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it’s
spring
and
the
goat-footed

balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee

Monthly poetry recitals were some of the favorite activities our family enjoyed with our homeschool group in Virginia. Since we moved to Indiana over a year and a half ago, my kids have asked me from time to time when we would begin doing poetry recitals again. Because no one here in Indiana had ever done one before, I had to initiate it and coordinate it myself if we were going to do one. It took me a little while, but I finally got organized enough to coordinate one and was able to convince 5 other families to join us today for a Spring Poetry Recital.

Pussy Willow
Kate L. Brown

Pussy Willow wakened
From her winter nap,
For the frolic spring breeze
On her door would tap.

“It is chilly weather
Though the sun feels good.
I will wrap up warmly,
Wear my furry hood.”

Mistress Pussy Willow
Opened wide her door.
Never had the sunshine
Seemed so bright before.

Never had the brooklet
Seemed so full of cheer:
“Good morning, Pussy Willow,
Welcome to you, dear!!”

Never guest was quainter:
Pussy came to town
In a hood of silver gray,
And a coat of brown.

Happy little children
Cried with laugh and shout,
“Spring is coming, coming,

Pussy Willow’s out.”

It was a tremendous success! There were 19 children who participated from ages 3 to 12. I began the recital with a couple of public speaking tips, and then the children took turns sharing their poems and nursery rhymes. Of course, the only child who was too shy to present her poem was my own 4dd5. I was able to bribe persuade her to stand up front with me (her arms wrapped around my neck; her face buried in my shoulder) while I recited the poem in her stead. Maybe next time the promised piece of gum will inspire her to actually say the poem herself.

To the First Robin
Louisa May Alcott

Welcome, welcome, little stranger,
Fear no harm, and fear no danger;
We are glad to see you here,
For you sing "Sweet Spring is near."

Now the white snow melts away;
Now the flowers blossom gay:
Come dear bird and build your nest,
For we love our robin best.

Everybody had a wonderful time and are all excited to do it again next month! I'm so glad that there are other families who are willing to do this with us. As I put together the program, I looked back over the programs from previous recitals and remembered fondly all the dear children and families we loved so much in Virginia. I've missed that group of homeschoolers often since we moved here; but I'm finally beginning to feel connected to the families here. God is good!

April Rain Song
Langston Hughes

Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.
The rain makes running pools in the gutter.
The rain plays a little sleep-song on the roof at night---

And I love the rain.