Usually when I have the mundane chore of washing dishes in the afternoon and my son is distracted by kids songs on YouTube, I try to find a podcast to get me thinking. Recently on diyMFA the host interviewed author and poet David L. Harrison about writing science poetry for kids. Pretty timely considering last week's Poetry Friday host challenged those participating to write a poem about birds. I tried to do a small amount of reading on some aspect of birds and starting drafting a poem about different kinds of beaks. I couldn't get my act together for last week so I'm posting it now.
Beaks are Neat
Though some have points
and some have hooks,
the beaks of birds
aren't just for looks.
A woodpecker chips
away at bark
to find insects --
hey, that's smart!
Owls have beaks
for eating meat,
and hummingbirds drink
their nectar sweet.
Some use their beaks
to find a mate,
feed their young,
make their nests look great.
There's so many things
a beak can do
There's probably more,
can you name one, too?
- e. mauger (c.) 2018
One of these days I'd be interested in giving my own non-fiction poetry project a go. Is anyone else working on or contemplating their next poetry project?
This week's PF is hosted by Margaret at Reflections on the Teche. Go check out some poetry for your final weekend in August.
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I'm so glad you persevered and shared your poem this week. You've packed in some great information in an engaging format. Love the rhyme and your ending question!
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly :)
DeleteYes, you should most definitely give your nonfiction project a go! This is a lot of fun, thinking about beaks and their purpose... I'd add cleaning and preening to the list?? This could be a picture book!
ReplyDeleteYou've created a popular suggestion, Irene! I may have to give it some thought. Thanks for the adding to the beak usage list as well.
DeleteI agree with Irene, a picture book for sure. I don't know any that have focused on beaks, & they are important. I'd add carrying things. Every spring I see robins carting twigs, etc. for nest-building! Love each part you've written & the rhyming, too!
ReplyDeleteDelightful poem–and I agree with Irene and Linda, this could definitely be a part of a picture book, thanks Erin!
ReplyDeleteErin, it seems that others agree that you should go ahead with your NF poetry project. Your poem is delightful.
ReplyDeleteNice job, Erin!
ReplyDeleteOne more use for a beak -- to use aggressively, to protect your territory! (Our lovebird is snappish when she's broody!).
Nice one. I've been swooped once or twice from a magpie when I crossed a bit too close to their nesting area.
DeleteWhat a great start. Best of luck, and you definitely look at Sarah Tuttle's Hidden City. Science, nature and poetry, such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCool, thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to check it out :)
DeleteSo many beak experts! Sounds like you've got a great support team here. Guess you need to go for it. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed :)
DeleteBeaks of different birds are fascinating to study. You should write more poems and just see where they take you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good idea. Exploration is the interesting bit.
DeleteNicely done! My students love science-related poetry.
ReplyDeleteI have a whole shelf of nonfiction poetry! I'd love to add your book someday!
ReplyDeleteLovely poem--I'm glad you shared. And I'm excited to learn about a new podcast. I've just started a new job and have a 30-40 minute commute. My daughter set me up with her old iPod (my newer phone won't connect properly with the older car) so I can listen to podcasts on my way to and from. I'm new to podcasts and looking for ones that will entertain and inform me as I drive.
ReplyDeleteThere's so many podcasts out there. I usually go to NPR to find more general interest stories and I also like listening to 88Cups of Tea with Yin Chang for different author interviews.
DeleteI can't wait to read more of your nonfiction poems! I am so glad you are incorporating science into writing. Kids love it, and it's so important. Best of luck with your project!
ReplyDelete