This week, I'm sharing a few of her shots. I am working on a tanka in response to one of the photos.
If you're inspired to do so, write a short poem in response to one of these pictures. Or make it an assignment for your class.
Sage Tanka
by Laura Shovan
"Go pick soup greens!"
My daughter brings me handfuls,
Foggy sage leaves.
I wash, chop, do not see
At the center, two cupped hands.
I love the tanka form. The two lines beyond a haiku allow tanka poems to make an interesting turn. Here is my tanka lesson (and a frame sheet to help with writing).
For more information on tanka, visit the Academy of American Poets.
Here are two more of Miss J's nature shots for you to enjoy, or write to:
If you're trying this exercise with younger students, check out the book Haiku Hike (Scholastic). It's exactly what it sounds like -- written by kids, a great combination of outdoor exploration and poetic response.
Thanks to Carol at Carol's Corner for hosting Poetry Friday this week.
