SPRING
by
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Roots
sprouts
buds
flowers
always--
always--
cloud-bursting showers
rhymes
April fools
fledglings on wing
no thing
is
newer
or
fresher
than
spring.
From the forthcoming, SHARING THE SEASONS (McElderry Books).
©2009 Lee Bennett Hopkins. All rights reserved.
Used by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd.
Lee Bennett Hopkins is this year's recipient of the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. He's a dynamic speaker, an incredible poet, a remarkable anthologist, and a tireless champion for children's poetry and poets. And he loves chocolate!
Like he has been to countless others, Lee has been generous to me with his knowledge and time and has been an inspiration with his enthusiasm and passion for what he does. 30 Poets/30 Days would not likely exist had I never met him and been so caught up in his love of "passing the poetry," so to speak. I'm incredibly happy to be able to publicly say "Thanks, Lee!" like I know many have before. And now that I'm done with my selfish part... I'm also incredibly happy to give you a sneak peak at a poem from his upcoming SHARING THE SEASONS (illustrated by David Diaz).
Oh, yeah... one more thing. I hope you'll all join me in wishing Lee a happy birthday!
Yesterday brought us All Eyes by Nikki Grimes. Tomorrow... Villanelle: Why I Love Libraries by Linda Sue Park (just in time for National Library Week!).
Please feel free to use the comments here as a "virtual birthday card" for Lee. I'll make sure he sees any and all good wishes!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Lee!
I love that repetition of "always." And I love the anticipation and speeding up--perfectly captures spring.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Lee! May the coming year be as filled with joy and poetry as the one just past.
Best,
Laura Salas
We're having those "always, always, cloud-bursting showers," here, but the freshness and fledglings are more than making up for it. Lovely poem, and happy birthday to that stellar poet, Mr. Hopkins!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday (again) Lee!!!
ReplyDeleteLee truly is a very special human being.
And Greg, thank you for all that you have done for poetry and poets both. What enthusiasm you have.
I'd like to add
my thanks for this entire fantastic poetry party we've all
had a chance to read here.
So many poems that I love and poets
that I admire. And also many of
the blog posters/bloggers who
I have come to know either by name
or by web-meet :)
I'll continue to read all with excitement. Thanks again Greg.
Rebecca
oh darn, p.s. sorry I don't know
ReplyDeletehow to Twitter yet, I just figured
out these postings here (my thanks
to Laura Salas for trying a few times to enlighten me.) Would love
to join you on Twitter if I can
figure it out.
R
Happy Birthday Lee!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for helping make the 30 days of poetry happen.
I've been reading every day and enjoying it so much!
Again, Happy Birthday!
Hopkins, Lee
ReplyDeleteYou gotta be
The bestest
Anthologist
In the Galaxy.
xxx and birthday wishes,
Jane
Lee! (Or LBH, as I call you to meself!)
ReplyDeleteBirthday greetings!
Happenstance meetings!
Joyful grins and delectable eatings!
love you, hawney!
~Thalia Chaltas
ps: Greg, you are the best, and happy birthday to you whenever that happens for ya. tc
Sir Greg:
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with you and your enthusiasm the first time we met
at SCBWI.
Thank you for all you do to bring
children (and adults) and books together.
Who could not appreciate your Poetry Month display.
What a special man, you are.
Thank you...thank you.
Love-ness
Lee Bennett Hopkins
What a lovely gift to all of us on your birthday, Lee. Happy Natal Day!
ReplyDeleteGreg, this is so much fun! Thanks for the poetry!
ReplyDeleteI have a tendency to get along well with other Aries . . . I should have realized that's one of the reasons I like Lee so very much!
ReplyDeleteGreat poem - will be on the lookout for the new book!
Happy birthday here, too, Lee. You know you have a special place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping the year ahead is filled with wonder.
Susan Taylor Brown
Love, love, love the ending!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Lee!
That is just lovely. Thank you so much, and many happy returns!!
ReplyDelete