Barefoot
Around the World in 50 Weeks is the theme of Mondays for 2012 on my blog. This will include children’s book reviews, poems and reflections. I had no books at hand this weekend to review, so I pulled out some old photos from Malawi to inspire a little poetry.
BAREFOOT
Brave soles,
calloused and cracked,
marching the miles
to school and back.
Kicking the dust clouds,
dodging the rain clouds,
aspiring to change.
Book by book.
Brave souls,
softened yet scarred,
dancing everyday dreams in
a nighttime shower from
gourds of generosity
and pots of promise.
A way out
with words!
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Beautiful. I could see so clearly how I would illustrate these words, well done!
Heather, how I wish for your artistic gift. Often I think how I would love to illustrate a poem 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
Ah, Joanna, how often we forget what children outside our own families and neighborhoods experience every day.
Looking forward to seeing children’s lives anew through the books you choose this year.
(found you through MotherReader & Lee Wind’s Comment Challenge)
**Katy Manck
Recommending YA books beyond the bestsellers at http://BooksYALove.blogspot.com
Follow me on Twitter @BooksYALove
Katy, Hi! I am so enjoying visiting all the new blogs on Lee and MotherReader’s list. Thank you for your thoughts.
I love your Monday theme of Around the World. It sounds like it will give you a lot freedom to share many different offerings. Like your poem about children and learning. Simple and lovely. You are good.
I am excited to about this Monday theme, Pat.
Your poem gave me goosebumps! Brave soles, brave souls…. absolutely lovely!
Aw, thank you, Nina!
Oh wow. Goosebumps here, too. Simple, yet profoundly eloquent, and thought-provoking. May I print this out?
I am looking forward to your Monday series this year. I know you will take us places we’ve never imagined, and stretch our minds and hearts and experiences in the process.
Thank you for your thoughtful, response, Beth. I am honoured that you wish to print it out.
Your evocative poem reminded me of the picture book I just posted about – also about children in far away lands dreaming of education. I am glad I found your blog!
Great, Tara, I will check out that review immediately!
I wandered over to your blog through Comment Challenge. I’m a fan of poetry, however, I find it a challenge to write. But I really enjoyed reading, “Barefoot,” and the words flowed nicely. 🙂
Thank you kindly for your words, Matthew. I confess I only try and write poetry when I am in the mood, and would love to actually do a course on writing poetry, as I am writing in the dark, mainly!
Love the poem and the theme – looking forward to future Mondays!
Thank you, Mary!
Yes, I love your play on words, and the sense of depth with brevity. What a lovely start to Monday.
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Hannah!
Pure eloquent, like strawberry in a glass of champaign.
(Just read the intro again… is it for this year..or another hundred years…lol)
Delicious image, Diane 🙂 I think I’ll give 2012 a go, for starters!
Lovely poem and gorgeous image.
Thank you, Magdalena!
Love it! Beautiful, expressive and perfect! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Susanna 🙂
Lovely poem, Joanna! You definitely have a gift. For me there is nothing more inspirational for writing than a special photo. I’d love to see more of your photography-and poetry! 🙂
Kelly thanks for the encouragement about using inspirational photos. I will take up your advice.
Thanks for sharing this. I look forward to this series.
Thanks, Stacey.
Joanna! I love the idea of Around the World in 50 weeks! Wonderful! Beautiful poem as well. =)
Elizabeth, thanks, I think it should be fun!
Lovely! I can see how that pic would inspire.
Enthusiastic running to school. love it!
Just lovely. No other words.
Aw, grazie, cara!
Worlds can indeed change through words – very inspiring and moving, Joanna. I am also happy that you are finding the courage to reveal more of yourself through poetry – it does take courage to slice a piece of one’s self and share it through verse. *hugs*
Yes, it is costly for me, so I appreciate very much, you awareness of this. xox
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