Blue Kite

This poem reminds me of wrestling my son into his clothes:

How to Change a Frog Into a Prince

Start with the underwear. Sit him down.
Hopping on one leg may stir unpleasant memories.
If he gets his tights on, even backwards, praise him.
Fingers, formerly webbed, struggle over buttons.
Arms and legs, lengthened out of proportion, wait,
as you do, for the rest of him to catch up.
This body, so recently reformed, reclaimed,
still carries the marks of its time as a frog. Be gentle.
Avoid the words awkward and gawky.
Do not use tadpole as a term of endearment.
His body, like his clothing, may seem one size too big.
Relax. There's time enough for crowns. He'll grow into it.

--Anna Denise

More testimonials from my wonderful students:

Mrs. Makrauer is an extremely helpful teacher because she doesn't give me the answers when I'm stuck on a piece of writing. She makes me think about what it is I want to say. My writing has improved so much with her as my teacher. There is always a way to make a piece stronger and she is always willing to help, even with the minor creative details.
--Ally, age 18

Analytical essays, poetry, and workshops have all helped me develop my writing skills; I feel ready for journalism classes in college. Thank you, Mrs. Makrauer, it's been fun.
--Drew, age 17

Poetry Sunday (a day late, it's a holiday!)

Selected with my sister-in-law and her new husband in mind, who had this poem read at their wedding on Saturday. What a starry, lovely October night.

Autumn

by Garrison Keillor

Here on an autumn night in the sweet orchard smell,
Sitting in a pile of leaves under the starry sky,
Oh what stories we could tell
With this starlight to tell them by.

October night, and you, and paradise,
So lovely and so full of grace,
Above your head, the universe has hung its lights,
And I reach out my hand to touch your face.

I believe in impulse, in all that is green,
Believe in the foolish vision that comes true,
Believe that all that is essential is unseen,
And for this lifetime I believe in you.

All of the lovers and the love they made:
Nothing that was between them was a mistake.
All that we did for love's sake,
Is not wasted and will never fade.

All who have loved shall be forever young
And walk in grandeur on a cool fall night
Along the avenue,
They live in every song that is ever sung,
In every painting of pure light,
In every pas de deux.

Oh love that shines in every star
And love reflected in the silver moon.
It is not here, but it's not far.
Not yet, but it will be here soon.

Poetry Sundays! Follow this link to the poem of the week.

Poetry Out Loud : Self-Employed "Poetry Out Loud has really given me the opportunity to show that reciting poetry is just as cool as winning a football game."

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Blue Kite Find your voice. Blue Kite's students take individualized workshops in college essay writing, creative writing, and analytical writing. Learning to write is fun with Blue Kite!