“Is the wind
the world breathing?”
(excerpted from WONDER WALKERS
by Micha Archer; 2021 Penguin Random House)
mountain sky exhales
soft, cool
flows through the open window
sweeps my bare arm
gently fills the room
I inhale
Â
aspen awakening
palest green
leaf-yet-to-be
learning to play in the breeze
learning to cling
when mother trees sway
when chickadee sings
when eagle wings
©draft, Patricia J. Franz
Best laid plans…
Inspired by this post from Heidi, I took her suggestion and planned to bring poetry and a nature walk to my sister’s Kindergarten class. Heidi’s Pre-K poets proved what is possible when we offer time and space and simple language and room to wonder! So I ran with it…
…right in to COVID.
Instead of joining 22 joyful kiddoes, I am quarantined at home. Though my energy level is low, I’ve stolen a few moments – when Tylenol is at its peak – to enjoy these picture books myself and take a “wonder walk” – albeit from my couch.
My window is open. Aspen, maple, chokecherry are leafing. Snow laces the east shore. The lake is a petulant blue: I will be beautiful whether you are here or not.
Feeling grateful despite my disappointment.
Please join Carmela at Teaching Authors, host for this week’s Poetry Friday round up!
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. 
Argh! You are not alone. I have several friends here in Denver who have walked into that Covid wall this past week, Patricia. I hope you’re not too bad & love that you took your own ‘wonder walk’ despite the disappointment of those kindies. I love “when chickadee sings/
when eagle wings”
Yes, I’m turning the corner today. Thank you, Linda. Very grateful to have beautiful views from my window!
Oh, geez, Covid. I hope you feel better soon! The books look really good. And I love the idea of the lake being a “petulant blue.”
The books are beautiful — each one of them! Lake Tahoe changes blues with the sky — from slate grays to gilded silvers to sapphire, and I like to think about the attitude in each of those shades.
Sorry to hear about the Covid! How disappointing for you. Hope you feel better and get all your energy back soon so you can do that nature walk. Your poem is so rejuvenating!! Must get a copy of Wonder Walkers now.
Of course I love all of them, but Micha Archer’s spare poetic text and collage art make this book a delight!
Your poem feels so light and breezy as if taking flight—Hope your visit with covid takes flight and leaves you soon, sending healing thoughts your way.
thank you, Michelle!
Oh, rats! I’m sorry the covid got you. What a beautiful poem, though. Rest…let that breeze heal you. This book looks beautiful and necessary for my middle schoolers.
Thank you, Linda. All four of the books will delight!
I love Micha Archer’s books! Your poem is absolutely beautiful, Patricia. I especially love the second verse with the aspen “leaf-yet-to-be.” Glad you are starting to fell better.
Definitely turning the corner today. I’m always amazed at how quickly the aspen leaf out, so I love that I caught them on a day when they were “in-progress.”
Patricia, gratitude is a cool breeze that floats by as you sit patiently waiting for the COVID virus to pass into the mountain wind. Hope you heal soon and bring you closer to nature. Your poem is lovely and nurturing.
Carol, thank you for the response poem!
So sorry about the COVID, Patricia. I hope you’re feeling better soon.
thank you, Anastasia!
Thanks for sharing the lovely poem, Patricia.
I’m so sorry you’re ill. I hope you heal quickly!
Thank you Carmela. And thank you for hosting this week!
Oh so sorry you did not get to run with those plans – but glad you are finding a little solace in picture books. I hope your case is mild and your recovery swift. It is all around us here in Australia, too.
Thanks, Sally! Solace in PBs and a new puppy!
Rats! But it’s a fabulous idea that might work just as well in the fall! Have hope and heal quickly!
For sure! Thanks Mary Lee!
Really, really hoping you are on the mend soon.
I love WONDER WALKERS. I’m obsessed with PBs that are written as question poems (as you know 🙂 ).
Check out A NEW GREEN DAY too! You’ll love it!
Patricia, I hope you feel better soon! I love the imagery in your poem and the idea of “wonder walking”!
Yes, both as an idea and as a physical act, wonder-walking is wonderful! Thank you, Jessica!