Poetry Insider

Poets Love Puns

2011-12-07T14:37:00.001-08:00

Both of my daughters, pictured above, enjoy my crazy sense of humor, including puns. I have discovered through the years that many writers, especially poets, relish puns, and it makes perfect sense--since poets love playing with words:

1. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

2. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'llserve you, but don't start anything."

3. Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.

4. A dyslexic man walked into a bra.

5. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says: "A beer please, and one for the road."

6. Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

7. "Doc, I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home."
"That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome."
"Is it common?" "Well, It's Not Unusual."

8. Two cows are standing next to each other in a field.

Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning."
"I don't believe you," says Dolly.
"It's true; no bull!" exclaims Daisy.

9. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.

10. Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.

11. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn't find any.

12. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident.

He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!"The doctor replied, "I know, I amputated your arms!"

13. I went to a seafood disco last week, and pulled a mussel.

14. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

15. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, "Dam!"

16. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Not surprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

17. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and

were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories.

After about an hour, the manager came out of the office,

and asked them to disperse.
"But why," they asked, as they moved off.
"Because," he said. "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting

in an open foyer."

18. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt, and is named 'Ahmal.' Theother goes to a family in Spain; they name him 'Juan.'

Years later…Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal.
Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."

:
19. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet.

He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with hisodd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him a super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

20. A dwarf, who was a mystic, escaped from jail. The call

went out that there was a small medium at large.

21. And finally, there was the person who sent twenty different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least ten of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

BEING THANKFUL FOR RICHARD

2011-11-23T21:48:00.001-08:00

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my brother Richard. He died earlier this month. He loved his wife Val, his daughter Emily, and his birth family. He also loved acting, cooking, and laughing. Rich is the one in blue. His obituary follows. It does a good job of speaking about his life. Rich will be missed by many.

RichardJohn Sottile

SOTTILE - Richard John, Thespian, 58, died Thursday at WaterviewNursing Center after a beautiful life & long struggle with Lewy BodyDementia. Dick was born in Jamaica NY & grew up in Lindenhurst in the househis father built. His interest in theater was piqued at Lindenhurst High &cultivated at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His adventures included:experimental theater; cross country travel & fatherhood. He laughed easily;loved acting & reading; was a skilled baker & could cook up a mean potof chili. Rich was devoted to his parents Molly & Tony. He leaves behind:devoted daughter, Emily Valentine; beloved twin sister, care taker & life-longcompanion, Margie; brothers Tony, Joe & Bob; dear friends, cousins& in-laws; as well as his best friend (& former wife) Valerie Gene.Services will be held at Lindenhurst Funeral Home 424 S. Wellwood Ave.Lindenhurst, NY Saturday 11/12/11 2–6pm. In lieu of flowers please makedonations to LewyBody Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW Lilburn, GA30047 www.lbda.org orthe SAGE Project www.sagesf.org

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WRITE POETRY

2011-11-15T20:07:00.001-08:00

During my 33-year career as an elementaryschool teacher in Gates, NY, I also became a poet. I became a poet partly becauseI loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein, especially Where the Sidewalk Ends, and also I wanted to sharemy ideas and sense of humor with my own students. So I started writing poemsfor them and my two daughters. Writing lots of poems not only made me a betterwriter and a better poet, but it also inspired my students and my own childrento express themselves through writing poetry.

Learning to write poetry--that is, carefullyselecting a few words to express an idea--not only helps a child express whatis in his soul, but it also helps him learn to think precisely. So I encourageall parents to help their kids write poetry.

One way you can help your child write poetry isto encourage them to write poems by using a "recipe" for the poem, orsimply by completing sentences in an organized manner.

Each month on my web site, www.joe-sottile.com,I host a poetry contest for kids. I usually post a new recipe poem and samplesto encourage kids to write poetry. These poems don't have to be great to win.They have to be interesting. Here are the instructions for entering my monthly contest.

Poetry Exercises for Parentsto Use With Kids

What follows are three partial poems from Picture Poetry on Parade. You have my permission touse these with your kids or students. I got the idea for using the "IF IWERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL POEM," when I visited a fourth grade class.The teacher who loved poetry gave the class the choice of asking me a questionabout writing or reading me their version of the school poem. Most chose toread to me. They were delighted by what they had created and a chance to share.I thought that some of their lines were better than mine!

So parents, please give the following a try.Writing poetry isn't difficult if the writer has a "recipe." That'swhat the next three poems are all about. After writing the poems, your childwill enjoy sharing them with others. I hope he or she does that. Write on!

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank!

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL
(As the student sees it...)

By __________________________

Everyone would be transported to schoolby________________

Every desk would have a built-in_________________________

Every wing of the building would have itsown______________

Every side of the building would have ajumbo______________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL

The lunchroom would be___________________________________

Tests would be ___________________________________________

The school week wouldbe__________________________________

Each week there wouldbe___________________________________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL

The Gum Chewing Policy wouldbe_______________________________

The Homework Policy wouldbe__________________________________

The Dress Code Policy wouldbe_________________________________

The Promotion Policy wouldbe__________________________________

Based on the original poemin Picture Poetry on Parade by JoeSottile

More Ideas for Interesting Poems!

In Picture Poetry on Parade, on page 28 there is the poem "CAN'TWRITE TODAY." Well, we all get writer's block at times. Here are the firstfour lines of my poem. You can make yours as long as you like, just be sure thelast line is "Can't write today!" That line is a good ending thatbrings the reader back to the end of the beginning of the poem. Writers like todo that.

CAN'T WRITE TODAY
By __________________________

I can't write today because my paper iswrinkled.

I can't write today because I didn't eat mybreakfast.

I can't write today because my dog barfed onthe kitchen floor.

I can't write today because I left my homeworkat home.

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write todaybecause____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write todaybecause____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today!

As you can see, I like repetition. It's one ofmy favorite poetic tools. When I visit schools and libraries, kids lovechanting the repetitious parts back. It makes the visit interactive and extrafun. On page 4 in PicturePoetry on Parade is the poem"ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL." In the school where I taught for twentyyears, many of the teachers read this poem to their classes on the first day ofschool. The first five lines of the poem follows. You can create your ownending too.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By ____________________________

I was worried that Mom would forget to kiss megood-bye.

I was worried the school bus would pass mystop.

I was worried I'd get into a fight at the busstop.

I was worried that I had toothpaste on mycheek.

I was worried that I would never find myclassroom.

I was worried_______________________________

These poetry recipes will bring out the best inyoung poets. Why not give them a try? And please encourage your child to enterSilly Sottile’s Monthly Poetry Contest.

One way you can help your child write poetry isto encourage them to write poems by using a "recipe" for the poem, orsimply by completing sentences in an organized manner.

Poetry Exercises for Parentsto Use With Kids

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank!

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL
(As the student sees it...)

By __________________________

Everyone would be transported to schoolby________________

Every desk would have a built-in_________________________

Every wing of the building would have itsown______________

Every side of the building would have ajumbo______________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL

The lunchroom would be___________________________________

Tests would be ___________________________________________

The school week wouldbe__________________________________

Each week there wouldbe___________________________________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OFTHE SCHOOL

The Gum Chewing Policy wouldbe_______________________________

The Homework Policy wouldbe__________________________________

The Dress Code Policy wouldbe_________________________________

The Promotion Policy wouldbe__________________________________

Based on the original poemin Picture Poetry on Parade by JoeSottile

More Ideas for Interesting Poems!

CAN'T WRITE TODAY
By __________________________

I can't write today because my paper iswrinkled.

I can't write today because I didn't eat mybreakfast.

I can't write today because my dog barfed onthe kitchen floor.

I can't write today because I left my homeworkat home.

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write todaybecause____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write todaybecause____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today!

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By ____________________________

I was worried that Mom would forget to kiss megood-bye.

I was worried the school bus would pass mystop.

I was worried I'd get into a fight at the busstop.

I was worried that I had toothpaste on mycheek.

I was worried that I would never find myclassroom.

I was worried_______________________________

These poetry recipes will bring out the best inyoung poets. Why not give them a try? And please encourage your child to enterSilly Sottile’s Monthly Poetry Contest.

The Rochester Children's Book Festival--Saturday!

2011-10-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

The 15th Rochester Children's Book Festival will be at Monroe Community College from 10-4 on this Saturday, November 5th.

There will be 44 authors and illustrators to sign books and do performances. I will be one of them.

For more information, go here:
http://www.rochesterchildrensbookfestival.org/rcbf/Welcome.html

In the Spotlight

2011-10-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

Please check this out: http://rochesterchildrensbookfestival.org/rcbf/Author_Spotlight.html

Columbus Day

2011-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

"You cannotdiscover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of theshore." Author: Andy Mouse

Personal Hall of Fame Poets and More

2011-10-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

I have new photos on my website--Personal Hall of Fame Photos!

Click here: http://www.consideration.org/sottile/photos/201110/last-seen.html

Thanks for checking them out!

Joe

Best Internet: Slow Dance

2011-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

This poem was written by a terminally ill younggirl in a New York Hospital.

Her last wish was to have as many people as possible to readher poem:

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a
butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun intothe fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask Howare you?

Do you hear
the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed

With the nexthundred chores
Running through yourhead?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.

The music won't last.
Ever told your child,

We'll do it
tomorrow?

And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendshipdie

Cause you never had time
To call and say, 'Hi'

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last

When you run
so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there

When you worry andhurry
through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Best Internet: A Tale of Two Potatoes and More

2011-09-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well,
A Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other,
and finally they got married, and had a little sweet
potato, which they
called 'Yam'.

Of course, they wanted the best for Yam.

When it was time, they told her
about the facts of life.

They warned her about going out and getting
half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed,
and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and
end up with a bunch of Tater Tots.

Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her
into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her!

But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home
and become a Couch Potato either.
She would get plenty of exercise so as not
to be skinny like her Shoestring Cousins.

When she went off to Europe, Mr. And Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland .
And the
greasy guys from France called the French Fries.
And when she went out West, to watch out
for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped.

Yam said she would stay on the straight and
narrow and wouldn't associate with
those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones
from the other side of the tracks
who advertise their trade on all
the trucks that say,
'Frito Lay.'

Mr. And Mrs. Potato sent Yam to
Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University ).
So that when she graduated she'd really
be in the Chips.

But in spite of all they did for
her, one-day Yam came home
and announced she was
going to marry Tom Brokaw.

Tom Brokaw!

Mr.. and Mrs.
Potato were very upset.

They
told
Yam she couldn't
possibly
marry
Tom Brokaw
Because he's just.......

Are you
ready for this?
Are
you sure?

*

*

OK!
Here it is!

*

*
*

*
A
COMMONTATER

Best Internet: Dear Dad

2011-09-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,

$chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I$imply can`t think of anything I need. $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you.

Love,
Your $on

The Reply:

Dear Son,

I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.

Love,
Dad

Best Internet: Meet Me in the Stairwell

2011-09-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL
PLEASE READ TO THE VERY END, IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.God
During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are
doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it
is only 1 minute.) All you have to do is the
following:

Stop and think and appreciate God's power
in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to
Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the
instructions. Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be
ashamed of you before My Father.'

If you are not ashamed, copy and send this message...only
if you believe 'Yes, I love my God. He is my
fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and
night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do
everything. Christ is my strength.'
THIS NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE USA MANY TIMES SO
KEEP IT GOING

Best Internet: You Can Always Be More Positive!

2011-09-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

It will take just 37 seconds to read this andchange your thinking..

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the samehospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for anhour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat onhis back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, theirhomes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they hadbeen on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by thewindow could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate allthe things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for thoseone hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all theactivity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake

Ducks and swans played on the water while childrensailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers ofevery color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this inexquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyesand imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the windowdescribed a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band -he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed itwith descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring waterfor their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, whohad died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospitalattendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other manasked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make theswitch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on oneelbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the windowbesides the bed.

It faced a blank wall..

The man asked the nurse what could have compelledhis deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside thiswindow.

The nurse responded that the man was blind andcould not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourageyou.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making othershappy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happinesswhen shared, is double
If you want to feel rich, just count all thethings you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called ThePresent .'

The origin of this letter is unknown, but itbrings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Do not keep this letter.

New Photos Are Up!

2011-09-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

"New" photos are up, just follow the link...

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/photos/201109/last-seen.html

Hey, Kids! What Is Poetry?

2011-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

What is poetry? Poetry is all around us—in books, on walls,in the air, on TV, and in greeting cards. Butwhat is it?

In poetry, words are put together in a playful manner. Whenyou go to a Rochester Red Wing baseball game and sing: “Take me out to the ball game / Take me out with the crowd. /” it has thestyle and spirit of a poem. You are singinga poem. Many songs are really forms of poetry. They have a rhythm and beat tothem

As young children, many kids learnnursery rhymes such as “Humpty-Dumpty sat on a wall, / Humpty-Dumpty had a greatfall…” The poems didn’t always make sense, but they were fun saying again andagain. While growing up, we learned them, even ones about heavenly bodies,“Twinkle, twinkle little star, / How I wonder what you are…”

On Valentine’s Day, did you ever create cards? Remember those poems thatstarted with “Roses are red / Violets are blue…” But did it have thisend?—“Don’t park your gum--/ In my shoe!” As a poet, you are the boss of yourwords. You can make them do anything you want them to do.

A student once wrote to me, “Thank you for comingto our school. I also thank you for being so funny. My mind almost explodedbecause you filled my mind with poetry. I hope you come back soon.” That’s quitea compliment. At least I think it is. Poetry is powerful. It can make minds“almost” explode.

What is poetry? Poetry is a fun way to write, whether you want to behumorous or serious, or even mysterious. Poetry looks and sounds special.Poetry frequently stirs up our emotions.

In PicturePoetry on Parade! I tried to create the feeling of “worry” in my poem, “Onthe First Day of School,” with these beginning lines: “I was worried that Momwould forget to kiss me good-bye. / I worried the school bus would pass my stop./ I was worried I’d get into a fight at the bus stop. / I was worried that Ihad toothpaste on my cheek. / I was worried I’d never find my classroom…” Well,it has a happy ending.

What do famous poets say about poetry?

“Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.” Carl Sandburg
“A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.” Robert Frost
“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." William Wordsworth
“Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words.” Paul Engle

As you can see, poetry is difficult to define. It’s like thewind. You know when it’s howling outside, but you can’t see it or catch it. Youcan only see what it does—bend the tree limbs, rustle the leaves in the air,and make a mess of your hair.

BUT WHAT IS POETRY??? Young poet or mature poet, please make a comment as to what you think poetry is.

How to Help Your Child Write Poetry!

2011-08-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

During my 33-year career as an elementary school teacher in Gates, NY, I also became a poet. I became a poet partly because I loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein, especially Where the Sidewalk Ends, and also I wanted to share my ideas and sense of humor with my own students. So I started writing poems for them and my two daughters. Writing lots of poems not only made me a better writer and a better poet, but it also inspired my students and my own children to express themselves through writing poetry.

Learning to write poetry--that is, carefully selecting a few words to express an idea--not only helps a child express what is in his soul, but it also helps him learn to think precisely. So I encourage all parents to help their kids write poetry.

One way you can help your child write poetry is to encourage them to write poems by using a "recipe" for the poem, or simply by completing sentences in an organized manner.

Each month on my web site, www.joe-sottile.com, I host a poetry contest for kids. I usually post a new recipe poem and samples to encourage kids to write poetry. These poems don't have to be great to win. They have to be interesting. Here are the instructions for entering my monthly contest.

Poetry Exercises for Parents to Use With Kids

What follows are three partial poems from Picture Poetry on Parade. You have my permission to use these with your kids or students. I got the idea for using the "IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL POEM," when I visited a fourth grade class. The teacher who loved poetry gave the class the choice of asking me a question about writing or reading me their version of the school poem. Most chose to read to me. They were delighted by what they had created and a chance to share. I thought that some of their lines were better than mine!

So parents, please give the following a try. Writing poetry isn't difficult if the writer has a "recipe." That's what the next three poems are all about. After writing the poems, your child will enjoy sharing them with others. I hope he or she does that. Write on!

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank!

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL
(As the student sees it...)

By __________________________

Everyone would be transported to school by________________

Every desk would have a built-in_________________________

Every wing of the building would have its own______________

Every side of the building would have a jumbo______________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The lunchroom would be ___________________________________

Tests would be ___________________________________________

The school week would be__________________________________

Each week there would be___________________________________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The Gum Chewing Policy would be_______________________________

The Homework Policy would be__________________________________

The Dress Code Policy would be_________________________________

The Promotion Policy would be__________________________________

Based on the original poem in Picture Poetry on Parade by Joe Sottile

More Ideas for Interesting Poems!

In Picture Poetry on Parade, on page 28 there is the poem "CAN'T WRITE TODAY." Well, we all get writer's block at times. Here are the first four lines of my poem. You can make yours as long as you like, just be sure the last line is "Can't write today!" That line is a good ending that brings the reader back to the end of the beginning of the poem. Writers like to do that.

CAN'T WRITE TODAY
By __________________________

I can't write today because my paper is wrinkled.

I can't write today because I didn't eat my breakfast.

I can't write today because my dog barfed on the kitchen floor.

I can't write today because I left my homework at home.

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today!

As you can see, I like repetition. It's one of my favorite poetic tools. When I visit schools and libraries, kids love chanting the repetitious parts back. It makes the visit interactive and extra fun. On page 4 in Picture Poetry on Parade is the poem "ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL." In the school where I taught for twenty years, many of the teachers read this poem to their classes on the first day of school. The first five lines of the poem follows. You can create your own ending too.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By ____________________________

I was worried that Mom would forget to kiss me good-bye.

I was worried the school bus would pass my stop.

I was worried I'd get into a fight at the bus stop.

I was worried that I had toothpaste on my cheek.

I was worried that I would never find my classroom.

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

These poetry recipes will bring out the best in young poets. Why not give them a try? And please encourage your child to enter Silly Sottile’s Monthly Poetry Contest.

© 2011, Joe Sottile

Poetry Suggestions for Kids

2011-08-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Poetry Suggestions for Kids

Poets love to play with words and take the ordinary and make it special. Poets love to tell little stories with as few words as possible. Poets are dreamers. Poets don't always make sense. Do you know a few Nursery Rhymes? This is one that I like.

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!"

I like the sound of "Humpty Dumpty" and it's repeated in the second line. I enjoy saying it twice. The poem usually comes with an illustration. So I know he's a rather large egg. And he must have been important because all of the king's horses and men tried to put him back together again. Such a silly story inside a poem! But why do you remember it? The end words rhyme — wall and fall, men and again. The rhyme helps you remember the "story" in the poem. So what have you discovered so far?

It's okay to be silly in poems and rhyme words.
Poems can tell mini-stories. You can do that in your poems!
Poets don't always make sense. Don't worry too much about what your poem really means. Just have some fun with words.
Repeating words in a poem is fine, as long as it sounds good.
To make sure you poem is good, you will need to read it aloud again and again to yourself.

In the poem, "The Wheels on the Bus," we are told eight times in the first four lines that the wheels go 'round and 'round, but that's okay. It just makes the poem more fun. Many songs can be written down on paper because they are really poems set to music — just like "The Wheels on the Bus." In my poem "Dad Says He's King of the Castle," I have mom laughing "tee-hee-tee-hee" nine times. And when I visit schools, kids love to chant mom's line with me. That convinces me the line really works.
Sometimes we just need a simple recipe to cook up a poem. Using acrostics (a form of writing) to spell out a name vertically on the page is fun, especially if it's your favorite pet's name. You may have done this already in school. Here's a poem my illustrator wrote on page 80 of Picture Poetry on Parade! about my dog.

Rosco the great.
Oh, what a dog.
Superior intellect.
Cat chaser.
Oh, what a dog…

After seeing right into the mind of this dog, Rosco, we discover he thinks rather highly of himself. In other words…

Poetry can follow a simple pattern.
You can write about anything—huge eggs, buses, dogs, people, places…Whatever you dream up! You have the power!
You can write about feelings. It helps to get the sad out.
You can use your senses in your poetry. ("After I walked in the polluted lake, my sneakers smelled like rotten eggs.")
You can write about wishes or fishes.

That's what I did in the last poem in my book which is titled, "If Wishes Were Fishes." I love the dreamy-eyed girl in the illustration. That's another exciting activity that you can do after writing a poem—you can create a drawing for it. My friend, Lori DeLeonardis-Aman, is an awesome artist.
If you truly want to write wonderful poems, you need to do three things. Read, read, and read lot of poets that you like, again and again. Then copy some of the poems down on paper to get a feel for the words that the author used and the way they are arranged on the page. And be sure to copy the author's name right next to the poem. (We don't want any messy elephants wrecking our writing corner.) Lastly, you need to show others what you have written and let them enjoy your priceless creations… Good luck! I'll be rooting for you, especially if you enter my Monthly Poetry Contest!

THE BEST PRESENT EVER!

2011-08-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Best Present Ever!

What's the best present ever to give your child?

1. Your love

2. Your time

3. A good book
"Common sense should tell us that reading is the ultimate weapon—destroying ignorance, poverty and despair before they can destroy us. A nation that doesn't read much doesn't know much. And a nation that doesn't know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box and the voting booth...The challenge, therefore, is to convince future generations of children that carrying a book is more rewarding than carrying guns." — Jim Trelease, The Read-A-Loud Handbook
"Reading surrounds us, labels us, defines us." — Rich Gold, author

"When I have a little money I buy books, and if any is left, I buy food and clothes." — Desiderius Erasmus, classical scholar

"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." — Sir Francis Bacon, Renaissance author
Take a bite out of Picture Poetry on Parade!

OR...Waiting to See the Principal and Other Poems,

http://booklocker.com/books/3197.html

Funny Poetry Quotes

2011-08-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Funny Poetry Quotes - Funny Quotes about Poetry

You don't have to suffer to be a poet; adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.

~ John Ciardi

Not everyone who drinks is a poet. Some of us drink because we're not poets.

~Dudley Moore

Poets, we know, are terribly sensitive people, and in my observation one of the things they are most sensitive about is money.

~Robert Penn Warren

A poet is a man who puts up a ladder to a star and climbs it while playing a violin.

~ Edmond de Goncourt s

Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese.

~Gilbert K. Chesterton

There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army.

~John Ashbery

Golf Quotes

2011-08-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

*Golf Quotes collected by Zig Ziglar:* *Golf Quotes, Great Quotes about a Great Game: This is a beautiful gift for any golfer. Filled with quotes and beautiful images of golf courses from around the world. Enjoy a few quotes from this book: "Golf is a matter of confidence. If you think you cannot do it, there is no chance you will."* -Henry Cotton
"Golf without bunkers and hazards would be tame and monotonous. So would life." -B.C. Forbes "The more I practice, the luckier I get." -Gary Player "I'm hitting the woods just great, but I'm having a terrible time getting out of there." -Harry Toscano

Quotes: The Cream of Our Learning

2011-08-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love what Zig Ziglar said about quotes:

"Great quotes make the light bulb go off in my mind. If you're like me, you'll jump at the chance to bypass all the churning and scoop the cream right off the top - that is what quotes are...the cream of our learning!"

50 Reasons to Write Poetry (Brought Back By Popular Demand!

2011-08-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

50 Reasons to Write Poetry

Opinion / Column

By Joe Sottile

1. To bear witness to life, the good, the bad, and the ugly
2. To discover what I feel
3. To express my feelings
4. To corral my experiences
5. To discover what I think, know and care about
6. To get life’s pain out
7. To use what hurts positively
8. To enjoy the power of words
9. To share serious thoughts
10. To define who I am
11. To be seen and heard
12. To open minds and change the world
13. To make sense of the world
14. To understand the human condition better
15. To stay engaged with my own divinity
16. To be authentic, genuine and real like Holden Caulfield
17. To avoid Depression
18. To build bridges with words
19. To keep my brain alert and alive
20. To keep Alzheimer’s at bay
21. To have something positive to daydream about—writing…
22. To recite my own poetry in traffic
23. To be part of various poetry groups and writing organizations
24. To be a leader instead of a follower
25. To conduct poetry workshops
26. To be anything I want to be in writing
27. To make others laugh
28. To share life’s wisdom and insights
29. To reveal to others what I think is truly ironic
30. To share what I am thankful for
31. To honor others
32. To get published in journals
33. To create books
34. To stretch my sensibilities
35. To keep on growing as a writer
36. To give back to others
37. To have new poems to read
38. To create publishing dates
39. To make poetry accessible to others, especially kids
40. To live life’s good parts again and again through my poetry
41. To be a local celebrity
42. To do in writing what I once thought impossible
43. To get faster to life’s “Bottom Lines” like Charlie Rose
44. To leave a record of my life
45. To perfect my “Last Lecture” with each poetry performance
46. To create some spending money
47. To make my mark on the world
48. To leave a legacy for my kids
49. To create a more interesting income tax return
50. To be of interest to the ladies (Shhhhhhh! Keep this a secret!)

Type:

Opinion / Column

The ones in yellow are adult reasons for writing poetry!

TEENS: READ THIS ASAP!

2011-08-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Nothing else really needs to be said, right?

Honorable Mention: Rochester Auditorium Theatre

2011-08-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

Honorable Mention

The Theater

by Rebecca, age 12

Penfield

TheAuditorium Theater is the place to go
When you want to see an amazing show

WhenI was little I saw “Blue’s Clues” and “Bear”
Then I saw “Wicked” and “Lion King” there
Myfriends were a part of the “Wizard of Oz” cast
All who watched surely had a blast
“LionKing” was really great
I hope to see it again at a later date
“Wicked”is my favorite, I saw it three times
Sorry, I can’t think of any other good rhymes
Mymom helps us get tickets really cheap
She makes sure we don’t go to shows sure to put us asleep
Nextyear we’ll see “Shrek” or “Billy Elliot”, either one would be great
Which one will we watch? I’ll just have to wait
Onthe third floor is MJT Stages, a small theatric endeavor
However, it’s a great place to see shows whenever
I’vebeen to camp there for many years
It’s helped me overcome my acting fears
So that is the one of thegreatest places around
You should head over there if you’re ever in town

Joe’s Commentary:The Auditorium Theatre certainly is a special place to visit. Rebecca haswritten a very convincing poem with perfect end rhymes. It makes me want tohead to the Auditorium Theatre to have some thrilling experiences. Rebecca,thanks for sharing your poem with readers. Keep on writing poetry. This is avery good poem. Congratulations, Rebecca!

Honorable Mention: RMSC!

2011-08-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Honorable Mention

RMSC

by Katherine Warth, age 11

Rochester

Of all the subjects at my school,

I think science is totally cool!

There's only one place that I go,

when Science is what I want to know.

The Rochester Museum and Science Center,

starts the fun as soon as you enter.

From a Wooly Mammoth skeleton,

to gooey experiments with gelatin.

You never know what you might see,

because this museum is the place to be!

Great for all people; children, women, or men.

I just hope we can go again!

(Joe’s Commentary:The Rochester Museum and

Science Center! What a great place to write about,

especially if you like science! And who isn’t captivated

by sights of the WoolyMammoth skeleton or gooey

experiment with gelatin? Yes, this is the place to befor

all ages. This is a very good poem. And I hope to see

your poetry again inprint, Katherine, Congratulations,

Katherine!)

Second Place Winner!

2011-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Second place

Wickham Farms

by Nathan Murray, age 10
Penfield

Wickham Farms in Penfield is so close to us,
We can get there without a fuss.

I love your ice cream in a cone,
And picking a pumpkin you have grown.

In the corn maze I get lost,
Your chicken dinner is low cost.

On the jumping pillow I go up and down,
I never ever get a frown.

Animals, playground, tractor rides,
Batting cages, mini golf, then inside…

We look for the cute little mice,
And the people that work there are so nice.

Birthday parties, field trips from school,
On holidays you really rule.

There’s no doubt east or west,
Wickham Farms you are the best!

(Joe’s Commentary: I love the details in this poem. Theycreate distinct images of fun to be had on a special farm from “pickingpumpkins to “tractor rides.” I especially like the end rhymes which soundnatural and unforced. Then there’s thepowerful use of personification near the end: “On holidays you really rule.”This is a marvelous poem written by ten-year-old Nathan Murray.Congratulations! Keep on writing poetry!)

And the Winner Is!

2011-08-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Poetry Contest Winner for the One and Only
"Build Myself a Winning Poem in Rochester, NY"

JulyPoetry Winner:

Corbett's Glen

Gates McMahon (age: 13)

Penfield,NY

Corbett's Glen

The world is twisted, broken, and pollutedabove...
But, through the tunnel
nature remains.

Crystal clear water
and verdant green trees beckon.

Through the tunnel
Through the tunnel

Water cascades down craggy rocks
And the songs of birds harmonize with the bubblingcreek.

Through the tunnel
Through the tunnel

Wooded pathways lead the way
through nature's private world

Serenity and peace await…

Through the tunnel

(Joe’s Commentary)

You don't have to look very far for a winning poem. ThisMonthly Winner, Gates McMahon, wrote a poem for this site and the poetrycontest: “Build Myself a Winning Poem in Rochester, NY.” Why did it win?

I picked "Corbett's Glen" as the winning poem because it gives me a feeling of peace and tranquility. I like all the wordchoices, especially "beckon," "craggy," "bubbling," and "crystal clear," and the alliteration inthe poem such as "Water cascades down craggy rocks..."

I was drawn right into the poem from the firstverse on. And I did admit to the contest readers that I was partial torepetition. I do think that the repetition of "Through the tunnel"works in this poem. It encourages me to walk through the tunnel and see thebeauty of the rippling water. We have a small pond in the back of our house,and this poem gives me a feeling of hope and home. The poem is well-done. Idon't usually get excited about nature poems, but this one seemed to hit themark. And it's definitely about the Rochester area with its own story to tell.

I hope you enjoyed it.

In the next three days I will add the three HonorableMentions.

A special thanks goes to Debra Ross for inspiring this particular contest andcovering it in her weekly newsletter and website at http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com.

Free Poetry Contest: Build Myself A Winning Poem in Rochester, NY!

2011-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Poetry Insider presents...

A special poetry contest

for kids in the Rochester area!

Have you seen this new video,

Build Myself in Rochester, NY?

Kids age 5-18. Enter this special poetry contest during the month of July 2011 to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Simply watch the video, write a poem about one (or, I guess, more) of the places pictured in that video. Send the poem to jsottile@frontiernet.net by July 31, 2011.
Contest entries will be published both on this blog and on KidsOutAndAbout.com.

YOUR “BUILD A WINNING POEM IN ROCHESTER” should:

1. Be directly connected with the above KOA video in terms of topic.

2. Any age student from 5-18 may enter.

3. Your poem may rhyme or not.

4. It may have more or less than 30 lines. Long poems are not necessarily better than lean ones.

5. Strive to connect with the emotions of your readers in the Rochester area. Write from your heart.
6. Send your best version of the poem by July 31 to jsottile@frontiernet.net Poems after that date at midnight will not be accepted.

7. Please make sure that you write BUILD A POEM CONTEST IN ROCHESTER in the subject area of the e-mail. And write your name (as you want it to appear next to your poem), your age, and where you live.

8. After entering your poem, pat yourself on the back for entering. Why? You were brave by stepping out of your comfort zone by sharing a piece of yourself--a polished poem.

Here are some great ideas to get you started thinking about how to write a poem for this contest:

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!"

I like the sound of "Humpty Dumpty" and it's repeated in the second line. I enjoy saying it twice. The poem usually comes with an illustration. So I know he's a rather large egg. And he must have been important because all of the king's horses and men tried to put him back together again. Such a silly story inside a poem! But why do you remember it? The end words rhyme — wall and fall, men and again. The rhyme helps you remember the "story" in the poem. So what have you discovered so far?

It's okay to be silly in poems and rhyme words.
Poems can tell mini-stories about a big fat egg or more--such as a special place, building or an experience in a special building. You can do that in your poems!
Write from your heart to capture the hearts of your readers!
Repeating words in a poem is fine, as long as it sounds good.
To make sure you poem is good, you will need to revise and read it aloud again and again to yourself.

In the poem, "The Wheels on the Bus," we are told eight times in the first four lines that the wheels go 'round and 'round, but that's okay. It just makes the poem more fun. Many songs can be written down on paper because they are really poems set to music — just like "The Wheels on the Bus." In my poem "Dad Says He's King of the Castle," I have mom laughing "tee-hee-tee-hee" nine times. (Pages 53-54 in Picture Poetry on Parade!) And when I visit schools, kids love to chant mom's line with me. That convinces me the line really works.

Don't forget the winner will be awarded a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card!

TOP 7 POETIC IDEAS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

2011-07-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

1. Poetry can be about any topic—frombugs to friendships, from happy times to sad times.

2. Poetry doesn’t have to rhyme, butlook for repetition of words and certain word patterns.

3. Poetry creates pictures in our headswith as few words as possible.

4. Poetry is lean and you have to readin between the lines.

5. Poets use tools to construct their poemssuch as repetition, alliteration, personification, metaphor, meter, similes, onomatopoeia,and more.

6. When life is happy or sad, poetry canhelp you share your feelings.

7. If you can write your name, you canwrite a poem.

Best of the Internet: Fun Words

2011-06-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

1. ARBITRATOR: A cook that leaves Arby's to work at McDonalds

2. AVOIDABLE: What a bullfighter tried to do

3. BERNADETTE: The act of torching a mortgage

4. BURGLARIZE: What a crook sees with

5. CONTROL: A short, ugly inmate

6. COUNTERFEITERS: Workers who put together kitchen cabinets !

7. ECLIPSE: What an English barber does for a living

8. EYEDROPPER: A clumsy ophthalmologist

9. HEROES: What a guy in a boat does

10. LEFTBANK: What the robber did when his bag was full of money

11. MISTY: How golfers create divots

12. PARADOX: Two physicians

13 PARASITES: What you see from the top of the EiffelTower

14. PHARMACIST: A helper on the farm

15. POLARIZE: What penguins see with

16. PRIMATE: Removing your spouse from in front of the TV

17. RELIEF: What trees do in the spring

18. RUBBERNECK: What you do to relax your wife

19. SELFISH: What the owner of a seafood store does

20. SUDAFED: Brought litigation against a government official

Lucky 13 Five Star Review at Amazon.com

2011-06-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Silly Sottile's 13th Five Star Review

of Waiting to See

the Principal and Other Poems.

Please click below to go there.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A387HMXHRWQFPW/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Silly Sottile & Mrs. J. Hoffend's Class

2011-06-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Writing Poetry Is Fun for Kids!

2011-06-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

Silly Sottile enjoyed encouraging Fourth Graders in Mrs. Donna Hoffend's class read and write poetry at South Klem Elementary School on June 7th.

One Photo, One Thousand Words

2011-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Joe gets big smiles of laughter wherever he goes...This was School 39 on Thursday...I think this photo is worth at least 1,000 words, but I am going to leave that up to your classroom insights and imagination.

Got Poetry? School 19 in Rochester Found Some Poetry

2011-06-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Go see Silly Sottile's latest poetry photos...

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/photos/201106/last-seen.html

When I Admire the Wonder of a Sunset...

2011-05-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator.”

~Mahatma Gandhi

Honoring My Mother on Mother's Day

2011-05-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

A number of years ago, I read this at my mother's funeral mass. I am sharing it today with you to honor my mother and sister. It was the last gift that I could send upward to Heaven dedicated to her.

Our Mother, a Gift of Words

If my mom were alive today, she would thank you for coming here. So her family thanks you today. Besides prayers, the last gift that I can give our mother is a few kind words. She used to say, “If it makes you happy, do it.” And I am happy to share these words with you.

Our mother is gone, but she’s here in our hearts and memories—like Father Jim said. She’s here in her children and their spouses, grandchildren and many others. Yes, she’s here in her grandchildren. She was a “grand” mother to all of them. Whenever we closed a long distance phone call, she would add, “Give everyone a kiss for me and tell them that I love them.”

She even included our dog, Rosco, in her good wishes. Dogs held a special place in my mom’s heart because they asked for so little and gave so much. Dogs like Rudy and Lucy. Mom is here in her nieces and nephews and her friends.

So, who was this woman we call mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma or friend? She was an angel on Earth. That’s who she was. Those who used to watch “Touched By An Angel” know what I mean. This earthly angel wasn’t perfect, but she was as perfect as a person can be. She earned her angel wings by spending most of her teenage years without a father, a father who died in a fire. Her oldest brother, John, became her rock of Gibraltar, her substitute father. This lovely lass fell in love with a hard-working macho Italian man. It was a classic case of “Romeo and Juliet,” except that the relationship survived growing up in two different houses, with two different cultures and lifestyles.

In the first year of marriage, there were challenges and the background of World War Two. Out of love, my mother gave into her groom in many ways. She waited hand-and-foot on a man used to European ways of living. That’s partly how she earned her heavenly wings today. She pleased this tough macho man as much as she could because she knew that he would love her all the days of his life; that he would work hard for her and their family, as long as he could.

She knew a profound secret about him that escaped the minds of his children, even as their lives unfolded into adulthood. She knew that he was hard on the outside, and a marshmallow on the inside. And that he would always be a good father, better than his father, and better than most fathers.

She gave birth to three sons and one Earth-Angel, Margie. Our mom earned her earthly wings by being a wonderful mother to all of her children. Each one of us was an integral part of her life. We all have stories we could tell. I remember many things she did for us. Christmas was always full of tradition, food, laughter, gifts, and generous relatives. I remember wonderful birthday parties, my First Holy Communion, Confirmation, playing ball around the house, breaking windows, and ruining patches of grass and storm doors with a love of stoopball and baseball. If mom saw me playing happily with my cousin, John, nothing else mattered. I remember Queens, Ozone Park, getting lost at the Bronx Zoo, shaking Hopalong Cassidy’s hand at Gertz Department store, after waiting three hours on line. I remember our trip to Colorado, picnics at Belmont Park, a special yearly picnic at Coram, feeding our stomach and our souls. It was a fantastic time for young or old.

In our daily lives, our mom was always there for us, standing behind us 100%. She believed that we could do anything with our careers. When I was nervous about student teaching in the college campus school, where many college kids were always coming and going, I complained to mom about teaching in a fish bowl—where college professors and students could observe your every move through a two-way mirror that lined the classroom wall.

She said, “Don’t worry, Joe. You will be a Kingfish.” She was right. I did well.
I could always count on my mother to believe in me.

Later on in life, when my wife had a serious operation, mom came for a week and took wonderful care of all of us. Mom could be there for family and for strangers in need. Mom and Dad loved movies, [so here comes a movie-connection for mom]. In the movie “Judging Your Life,” the main character had to prove to a panel of his heavenly superiors that he’s worthy of advancing higher. He wishes for the sake of upward mobility that he had a real fire scene in his life like his new friend has. He wanted something dramatic to show the panel judging his life.

Well, our mother did have a fire scene. She saved a boy from death who was on fire in the neighbor’s yard by rolling him in the wet grass. He had second and third degree burns but he survived, thanks to my mother. Besides her fire rescue scene, she had her long lasting marriage to father. And she gave birth to four children who were touched by an earthy angel every day.

Our mom is now a full-fledge angel. She was the best mother we could possibly have had. She spent her whole life being an outstanding wife and mother. We will miss her deeply. But she did leave behind wonderful memories and three sons and an Earth-Angel, Margie, who became mother to her own mother in the end.

Mom told us we were all loved the same amount. But, if she loved Margie a little extra, that’s okay. Margie gave mom some of the best years of her life. Amen.

Free Poetry Contest for Kids

2011-05-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

Monthly Poetry Contest — Silly, Serious, or Mysterious

Entry Information

You can enter my Monthly Poetry Contest any time from the first of the month to the 21st. Winners of the contest will not receive Big Bucks. (I need to tell you a secret: very few poets make much money writing poetry. Sorry! Poets write because they love writing or they are compelled to write. Of course, you might be the exception.) Besides being the creator of a great poem, what will your reward be?

Your poem will be posted here for a month. You can show your contest-winning poem to your friends and family. And you can pat yourself on the back for becoming a true, published poet, while having many others enjoy your poetry online.
Enter by sending your poem to me (at jsottile@frontiernet.net) with "Poetry Contest" written in the Subject heading of your e-mail. You do not need to e-mail a photo unless you're contacted as a "winner." Those writers who come close to winning will get honorable mentions. We need your poem, full name, and age. All ages are open for acceptance.
Be sure it's a poem that you created from start to finish; otherwise we have a problem the size of an elephant called plagiarism. Plagiarism is when you copy someone else's work and you claim it as your own, which is bad, bad, bad. And please make sure that you have your parent's permission to enter this contest.

For hints on how to write poetry see Poetry Suggestions for Kids.

A Wonderful Tribute to Our Soldiers

2011-05-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

Go to it now...

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/for-kids/11-04-winners.html

This Month's Photos of the Spring Chili Fest

2011-05-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Please check out this month's photos.

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/photos/201105/last-seen.html

Wise Words

2011-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

WISE WORDS TO LIVE BY
============================================

People say that what we're all seeking in life is a meaning for life.

I don't think that's what we're reallyseeking.

I think that what we're seeking is anexperience of being alive...
~ Joseph Campbell

Earth Day Poem By Brod Bagert

2011-04-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

This connection will take you to a wonderful Earth Day Poem and poetry site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011

If I…

Brod Bagert...

http://gottabook.blogspot.com/2011/04/brod-bagert-if-i.html

Light Verse or Lightning Verse? (Joe Sottile, 2005)

2011-04-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

If you were to ask this elementary teacher of thirty-three years what type of poetry has the biggest impact on students, the thumbs up winner is light verse. Light verse is defined as "poetry that is playful or humorous and usually rhymed." If we extend the umbrellas of "light verse" to include such poetry as what we find in the late Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends or Falling Up, which is full of quirks, surprise rhymes, and free verse, then light verse is music to soul of most elementary students.

Children love the poetry books of Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, Judith Viorst, Bruce Lansky, Jeff Moss, and Kalli Dakoa. At first glance their poems look easy to write. Just pick a topic — any topic — from apples to zebras, and write a poem. You don't have to worry...

To read the rest, click here...

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/for-teachers/light-or-lightning.html

Dreams Shot Skyward with Every Ball Hit

2011-04-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

When you were growing up did you have a special place where all of your dreams seemed possible? Sue and Ron, our college friends, just came to visit from Florida. Sue, who had lived in Brighton, had one request — a tour of her old neighborhood. As we approached an old stone bridge, fireworks erupted in her mind as she recalled playing under that bridge...

For the rest of the story, go here:

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/about-me/sandlot.html

More Support Needed for Children's Poetry

2011-04-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

An interesting article...

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/lbf-more-l

Best Internet: Retiree Humor

2011-04-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

They Ask Why
l Like Retirement!

Question: How many days in a week?
Answer:     6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday.

Question: When is a retiree's bedtime?
Answer: Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.

Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb?
Answer: Only one, but it might take all day.

Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees?
Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done.

Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors?
Answer: The term comes with a 10% or 15% discount.

Question: Among retirees what is considered formal attire?
Answer: Tied shoes.

Question: Why do retirees count pennies?
Answer: They are the only ones who have the time.

Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?
Answer: NUTS!

Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic, or garage?
Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.

Question: What do retirees call a long lunch?
Answer: Normal.

Question: What is the best way to describe retirement?
Answer: The never-ending Coffee Break.

Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?
Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.

Question: Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work but misses the people he used to work with?
Answer: He is too polite to tell the whole truth.

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked,
"How old was your husband?" "98," she replied.
"Two years older than I am."
"So you're 96," the undertaker commented.
She responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?"

Reporters, interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
"And what do you think is the best thing
about being 104?" the reporter asked.
She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

The nice thing about being senile is
you can hide your own Easter eggs.

I've sure gotten old!
I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,
new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes.
I'm half blind,
can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,
take 40 different medications that
make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia.
Have poor circulation --
hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.
Have lost all my friends. But, thank God,
I still have my driver's license.

I feel as if my body has gotten totally out of shape,
so I got my doctor's permission to
join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour.

But, by the time I got my leotards on,
the class was over.

An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and
told her preacher she had two final requests.
First, she wanted to be cremated, and second,
she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart.
"Wal-Mart?!" the preacher exclaimed.
"Why Wal-Mart?"
"Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week."


My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.


It's scary when you start making the same noises
as your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff
in my shopping cart says,
"For fast relief."


THE SENILITY PRAYER:
Grant me the senility to forget the people
I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
the eyesight to tell the difference.  Amen.


Always Remember This:
You don't stop laughing because you grow old,
You grow old because you stop laughing.