To learn to be a good friend, kids need models of friendship. WHAT IS A FRIEND? is 41 poems that show that friends come in many forms.
Click on the cover to purchase a copy!
I find relief in poetry.
Mornings that begin with moments to sit, take notice, inhale, scribble words – become my better days. Is it any wonder Ada Limon named her podcast The Slowdown?
My return to the desert last week, left me feeling twisted and tumbled – a sure sign to re-establish my morning writing routine in order to settle in.
So when the many posts and tweets began to pop up celebrating the release of WHAT IS A FRIEND?, Pomelo Books’ latest anthology, my head was still a-twirl.
I chose to read all the wonderful poems and posts and as I sat with them last week, my heart filled with gratitude that tumbled out in the form of a poem.
I marvel over the commitment Sylvia and Janet make –not only to children, but to poets. They provide a poetry playground where friendship grows.
This is my second poem that has found a home in a Pomelo Books anthology. What an honor to be included! What a joy to be part of this community.
Yet another delight in the poetry community is Matt Forrest Esenwine. His latest treasure: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEING HUMAN launches this week!
Matt at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme is our host for the Poetry Friday round up. I look forward to sharing an interview with Matt next month in celebration of his new book!
Patricia Franz is a kidlit writer and published poet. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
It is truth that you have written, Patricia. “Together we can dream” & “Together we are courage” show the need, for children, for all of us. What a loving poem that I hope will speak to kids who read it and see the joy of having a friend. Congratulations on your poem in this new wonderful anthology.
Thank you, Linda.
What we might achieve indeed – I think we all sometimes wonder if we can do anything about the challenges the world is facing – but we forget about the force of coming together!
No way forward except together! Thanks Sally!
Your poem filled me with peace, Patricia. “Together we can dream a better world, a different choice.”
Thank you, Rose.
Congratulations on your poem included in the latest Pomelo publication. I love “Together we are Courage!”
Thank you, Margaret. It’s just like modeling the writing thru WriteOut — together!
Wow, I hadn’t heard about this anthology – congratulatiuons! Indeed, so many things are possible if we are only willing to believe they are such.
Thank you, Matt. And thanks again, for hosting this week.
Wow!! So proud of you Sister! Love this and YOU!
(Honest… I did not ask her to write this _ LOL)
Congrats on having another poem featured in Sylvia and Janet’s latest anthology! Love the message in “Imagine.” Good things come of friendship, unity and working together for a better world. 🙂
Thank you, Jama.
My better days usually begin with writing, too. I love “Together we can dream / a better world.” Congratulations on your inclusion in the new anthology!
And you, JoAnn!
Wonderful poem, Patricia. We all need compatriots! Congratulations on this publication, and thanks!
Thank you, Karen.
I know your poem will be read in classrooms around the world. It is perfect for promoting team work and inclusivity! Congratulations on a wonderful poem!
Yikes — I never thought about that!! My sisters are teachers and I always think about how they “touch the future.” Thank you, Linda.
Patricia, congratulations on your wonderful children’s poem that appears in Janet and Sylvia’s new anthology. The line that resonates with me as with others is “Together we are Courage”. Happy Fall in the desert.
Thank you, Carol. And I’m glad the keynote went well for you!
Your poem contains all kinds of big truths! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your heart!
Thank you, Mary Lee.
How beautiful. What a friend you’ve painted here…I think I know her and am lucky to be one of her friends. Thanks for sharing the poem and the book publication news.
Ahh…I’m glad you know her. Thank you, Linda.
Lovely and powerful poem Patricia, it makes me think about all the women in Iran putting themselves out there together for the betterment of all women, congrats and thanks for sharing all!
This: “I find relief in poetry.” So do I. I am so happy to share poem space with you in this book. We can do so much with courage and imagine.
I almost chose this photo–well, I did choose this photo!–to write to and then ran out of time. Thanks for doing such a good job with it, and congrats on the Pomelo publications!
Thank you, Heidi!
Beautifully upbeat and hopeful poem, Patricia. “We can’t do it on our own.” — Indeed!
I’ve listened to The Slowdown off and on since Tracy K. Smith originated it during her tenure as Poet Laureate. It is indeed a beautiful way to start a day!
Thank you, Karen.
Honest, inspiring and true. Beautiful, Patricia!
Thank you, Randi!
That middle stanza jumped out at me, Patricia! Your lines about courage remind me why I love collaborating on creative projects — “champions together.:
Thank you, Laura! I am always inspired by the collaborative nature that young children offer to us.