Wonder in Action

Recently I visited Poetic Bloomings, where Marie Elena and Walt prompt both budding and experienced poets to write in forms that some of us have never heard of. I attempted a ‘trolaan’ and out came a poem about an experience that morning that I now treasure.  I had read Bethany her stack of books, and she always wants to ‘read’ Poppi one of them too. I had also recently commented on Writer’s Retreat about the future of picture books in light of e-books and such, and the two moments blended into a poem. I wanted to share that experience I mentioned with my granddaughter “reading,” or re-telling a story from that morning–it’s available on YouTube here:  The Picture Book Is Not Dead That was the experience that prompted the trolaan below. AS BETHANY READS Book in lap, she reads to me But ‘her’ story tells me more Born out of a book that she Begged me read to her before.  Oh the joy of her delight Over picture books and tales Of frogs and sheep and moons at night Of illustrated dogs and whales!  How, after listening on my knees, Her 3-year old voice asks so bold, “Here, let me read it, Poppi, please” Her story is newly re-told.  Old men like me, we do shed tears Often at the sweet sound, Of pictures being ‘read’ to our old ears. Oh, picture books–forever abound!