This is Just to Say…

Today’s poetry inspiration came from Williams’ poem of apology, This is Just to Say. In addition to studying the original, we also read some of the poems written by 6th graders in the book also titled This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman.

Students had fun playing around with their own poems of apology. Here’s a couple composed by the third graders in my class to give you a taste:

Dear Romeo,

I’m sorry I have to whip you sometimes

Also, I might tire you out sometimes,

but you’re always a handsome horse

lovable, huggable, gentle, and soft

Oh how I love your long mane

drifting in the sky

when we canter across the field

Love,

Tyler

I gave them a whole 7 minutes of writing time! It’s conference week, so students are on a minimum day schedule…and time is short!

I’m sorry Kai for poking you.

Sorry, I really didn’t think it through.

Although we had fun doing it, I’m sorry Kai for poking you.

Cody

And one more student poem, this one inspired by yesterday’s Red Wheelbarrow.

The Thread

So much depends on

a brand new jacket

and a loose thread

Pulling

into bits and pieces

until it is

one loose

and wiggly line

Lauryn

I found myself returning to the topic I explore in my first two poems. Today’s was written to that same egret I featured before–but from a slightly different angle.

This is Just to Say, My Friend

I have stalked you

my lens focused close

waiting for your head to turn

your neck to arch.

You seem so peaceful

and focused as you

stare out at the blue horizon

scanning for danger

or maybe appreciating the view.

I’m sorry for any disturbance

I cause with my close looking

and the click of the shutter.

I just can’t resist your elegant neck

and charming yellow feet!

Douillard 2018