I’m workshopping a picture book manuscript that began as a poem (this happens alot for me).
Children have so much to tell us, if we give them the time and space– if we hold our words, and let them find theirs.
For more #PoetryFriday delight, Janice at Salt City Verse is hosting the roundup this week!
Treasures
Who gets to decide what qualifies as treasure?
At five, there’s so little that can rightly be called mine.
Might a shape or shine be enough to delight the eye?
May I just enjoy how something fits into my hand?
Why must I decide between one or two or five?
Might there be as many treasures in the world as there are lives?
If you take the time to ask, you might begin to understand.
It’s not about what or where, its value lies in why.
It could be that a rock may be just a rock to you,
but I dream of what might lie inside if I take the time to look.
It could be that a key may be just a key to you,
but I wonder what it opens or where its box might be?
So, I keep this key, in case I find its lock.
If you take the time to ask, you might begin to understand.
It’s not about what or where, its value lies in why.
That feather lying in the dirt? The mama bird who lost it
watched me watch it slowly float before I picked it up.
That penny in a parking lot? Not worth enough, you say?
But slipped inside my pocket, its luck might change my day.
An old button that once lived on my grandpa’s favorite sweater?
A seashell washed ashore before summertime was over?
A rusted spring I shot at least 10 feet in the air?
That day I spent with you when we laughed and played together?
When an object holds a story that links its life to mine,
it becomes a treasure and transports me to that time.
So why must I decide between one or two or five?
Might there be as many treasures in the world as there are lives?
It’s not about what or where, its value lies in why:
why I keep it, how I found it, what it means to me.
And when we share the story, we make another memory.
©draft, Patricia J. Franz
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. 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. 
Well, though in varied ways, you know I’m writing about treasures, too, Patricia. I love the way you included the questions that make the treasures real, like “but I wonder what it opens or where its box might be? The poem has a strong voice & I read it aloud, sounds like a calm and kind voice speaking to all. Thanks!
Yes, I loved your treasured memory of your grandfather! Thank you!
I love this ! And I think you are going to be a good grandma who knows HOW to listen
Thanks for the cheerleading, sista!
Patricia, that is indeed a great beginning. Let’s take all five treasures! That kid voice sounds wise way beyond their years, right? Love the illustration you added at the top–maybe that’s a stylized photo?
Yes, I’m still playing with this…perhaps the narrator is looking back? And the image is a photo with a filter. Thanks!
I love all the specific treasures that a child may collect. The photo is adorable. I imagine this poem, too, could be a picture book.
Thank you, Margaret! So many of my PB ideas begin as a poem.
Wonderful!! Love the progression in your poem. Just my humble opinion, but I think poets write the best picture books :).
Aww…thank you Jama! Still working on it!
Love these lines, Patricia
“That feather lying in the dirt? The mama bird who lost it
watched me watch it slowly float before I picked it up.
That penny in a parking lot? Not worth enough, you say?
But slipped inside my pocket, its luck might change my day.”
Thank you for sharing. I love that your work takes different forms as they progress.
Thank you, Carol. I’m never quite sure where the poems are going! But I’m glad you liked it.
“It could be that a key may be just a key to you, but I wonder what it opens or where its box might be?” This kind of thinking is so appealing. Your poem reminds me that there are stories everywhere.
Yes! And I think children are the ones who ask this all the time (you clearly have a child’s heart)!
All of these specifics wound ’round the repetition and many questions is just so lovely. You capture a child’s true voice here and have me wishing again that we could hear the stories objects tell…just for a moment. Have a wonderful time working on the manuscript. xo
Thank you, Amy! Yes, I’m “interviewing” some of the treasures too. 🙂
I love the bit about how little 5-year-olds really own or control. But also how treasures aren’t just about what we own. And of course I love the rocks part, too! Have fun with this manuscripts!
Thank you, Laura. As you know, these thoughts are all a WIP!
What a treasure this is and will be, Patricia. As a Kindergarten teacher, I live the discovering and collection of treasures on our nature walks daily. It never ceases to amaze me what my naturalists discover, are intrigued by, and treasure…always kept in their pockets, and sometimes mine! 🙂
I am partial to Kinders (and their teachers!); they keep us curious about the world, don’t they! Thank you for stopping by!
I’m a big fan of questions in a poem. Love all of these questions.
Yes, questions! Isn’t that the essence of the heart of a child?
I love these lines:
“When an object holds a story that links its life to mine,
it becomes a treasure and transports me to that time.”
Justification for all the MANY treasures I have stored in every nook and cranny!
So true — but I wonder if a child feels this way… not sure
This is so wonderful. I am a collector of antiques (and treasures) and wonder about their stories. These lines made me swoon:
When an object holds a story that links its life to mine,
it becomes a treasure and transports me to that time.
I have printed this out to put in my own notebook.
Gosh, Thank you, Leigh Anne!
“its value lies in why.” This is wonderful – it gets to the heart of why any of us – child or adult – hold on to our treasures. Thanks for sharing this today, and good luck with your project!
Thanks, Elisabeth… I’m definitely mining for heart!
Patricia, I relate so well to this poem. It reminds me of walks and talks with my almost 5 grandgirl. Your statement,
“It’s not about what or where, its value lies in why.” is something I will carry in my heart to repeat to my grandgirls.
I wonder if your grandgirls will agree? Keep me posted 🙂