rustle-rustle...THUD. Autumn has fallen hard here this week. Trees are looking disheveled if not bare, leaves are blowing in the rain, and we've had many mornings of chill, damp fog.
But in PreK we have been focused with delight on pumpkins, which--let's face it--are among the most cheerful of produce! (Never mind that I needed a long deep sob on Tuesday over the fact that for the first time in my entire teaching career I am not carving pumpkins with my class.)
It so happens that I have a few poems for this time of year. The pumpkin one is, curiously, more hallowed and floating than hollowed and glowing. And then there's the obligatory black cat. Please enjoy a blast from my authorial past, and pardon the homemade photos of actual pages; I am too tired to do better.
Our host today is my pal Linda at TeacherDance. Ring her doorbell for tricks and treats aplenty (but NO I REPEAT NO Trumps)!
From Jan Godown Annino:
ReplyDeleteI'm tugged by your internal rhyme in your sweetly-sad honest prose intro & the path of each poem. Cheers for a "Most Realistic Costume" & "Ghosts" Halloween to you, Heidi.
Why yes, I'd love 2 (two) signed (but not inscribed to anyone in particular) copies of the book.
Everyone's autumn offerings feel so good this morning. I love these, Heidi, especially the photos straight from the book. My sister's a teacher and I'd love to have one of these sent to her! For Ms. Garton's Class. I can send you her address and Venmo you for book and postage???
ReplyDeleteOh my, Heidi, these are beautiful, those "ghosts of our pumpkins" and "crouch creep pounce"! I hold such memories of dressing up with my students. Our school made a huge deal about Halloween & our parade. This year, they've decided only to post pictures though they're still in school. My youngest granddaughter has been "in person" for only seven days, now changed back again. I'm sorry you are tired, know how very hard teachers are working to make things wonderful for their students, but thank you for this. I, too, would love a copy of your book if it's not too much trouble. It seems like a lot for you to do, so no hurry, and I can send a payment via PayPal! Thanks & enjoy Halloween no matter what!
ReplyDeleteLove that final line in your Ghosts poem--and all of those scary sounds!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, it is sad that there cannot be more hands-on work with little ones now. I am wondering how Halloween will look tomorrow. We are supposed to turn lights of if there is no candy and on if there is. Candy must be placed on a table in front of the house. Not like it used to be. Your poems are special and a fine tribute to autumn.
ReplyDeleteI am swooning over "a gust of butterflies rises and tumbles...the ghost of our pumpkins...untethered from earth." Your lament over not carving pumpkins reminded me of a pumpkin project I used to do with my third graders. Sigh.
ReplyDelete"Queen of scratch...Queen of Screech" are so fun to read and say. But, sugarsnap teeth steal the poem for artistry. You are so fun in your writing. I'm glad these poems are "out there" in the world to enjoy especially this year that's a little different and a lot inside.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - except for tomatoes, I can't think of any more cheerful produce!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blast from your authorial past!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these, perfect reading for Halloween night! I love pumpkins. They are the most cheerful produce.
ReplyDeleteThese two poems are perfect for the season, and are full of your fun word play. "Howl-yowl" "spine-stretch" I'd love to order a signed copy.
ReplyDeleteLike Linda, "sugarsharp teeth" was a favorite! These poems are a delight. You always use white space to such fabulous effecct!
ReplyDeleteThank you all! I will work on orders next Monday, November 9th.
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