March 18, 2008
The moon in a silver bag."
- W.B. Yeats
Whenever I feel drained, empty or impoverished in some way, I recite these lines. Commit them to memory and see if they don't empower you the next time your enthusiasm is waning.
Great poets create powerful images. And Yeats' line reminds us of the force we have inside ourselves. The challenge this month, my bright lights, is to take your child in search of a powerful image.
Walk around your house. Stroll through your yard. Explore your neighborhood. Then ask your young poet to find an image that fascinates him or her - big, small, strange or ordinary, anything that captures the fancy.
Remember, an image is anything that appeals to our senses. It can be something we see, taste, touch, hear or smell. Leonardo Da Vinci said, "All our knowledge has its foundation in the senses." A poetic child is one who is aware of all that's around him.
Once you identify an image, help your child make a list of all the words and phrases that pop into your head when you look at that image - descriptive words, action words, feelings, as well as people and places associated with the image.
After you have collected a bushel-basket full, begin to experiment with various combinations. Poets play with patterns and the possibility of words. Find strange and interesting ways of putting words together.
Don't worry if it doesn't make complete sense. As the world famous poetry professor, Mr. Willy Wonka, says: "A little nonsense now and then is treasured by the wisest men."
Here's a poem I wrote for you and your child after thinking about Yeats' sun and moon.
Who would you shine?
And what kind of tune
Would you croon,
If you were a moon
Who could croon a tune
And fill a midnight party with fun?
And if you, on your star,
Could fly a balloon
Across a wind-swept sky,
"Sunshine," I'd say,
We'd have a new day
With the sparkle in your eye.
Keep reading, writing and playing with words.
-Bill
Speaking of sunshine, summer will be here before you know it. I have openings this summer and I love performing in my shorts. If you know of a local park & recreation event or festival, give me a call.
You can contact me directly at 847-797-0625 or by simply filling out my Contact Form.
And "it's okay" and "life isn't fair."
I'm from Great-Great Grandmas and Grandpas
And from "you're annoying" and "you're my best friend."
I'm from candy and vegetables
And thunder and lightning.
I'm from "sorry" and "thank you."
And last, but not least, I'm from love.
I'm in no way associated with the marketing machine behind the new Dr. Seuss movie. But I'm anxious to see Horton Hears A Who in theaters this month.
Whether you take your child to see the movie or not, I highly recommend the good doctor to you. My two favorite Dr. Seuss books are Horton Hears A Who and The Lorax.
I hope you enjoyed the monthly update. Encourage your friends to visit our website.
Until next time...Kiss The Fish,
Bill Buczinsky
A Child's Voice
Visit us at
www.childs-voice-poetry.com