If you haven’t yet read Elaine Magliero’s book “Things to Do”, I strongly encourage you to do so. I owe a big shout out to Jama Rattigan for her delightful interview with Elaine Magliero, which inspired me to pick up this enchanting book. I shared some of the poems with my class, and they were eager to try out this form. So was I! It’s a wonderful entryway into persona or mask poem writing. Ever since reading it, I’ve found myself thinking differently. What might I do if I was…moss? a cat? a house? Thinking this way, I looked at my favorite birch tree in a new light. It now seemed like the perfect subject for a Things to Do poem.
Things to do if you’re a birch tree
Greet the rising sun
Sparkle with dew
Wave au revoir to the morning star
as each day starts anew
Shelter singing birds
Dangle a swing
Spread your skirt of dappled shade
Jewel your core with rings
Stretch your pale limbs wide
and reach up high
Create a crackled quilt of color
in azure summer skies
Sway with the breezes
Rustle your leaves
Cradle the full moon in your branches
on a soft and sultry eve
Molly Hogan (c) 2017
To enjoy more poetry, make sure to visit this week’s Poetry Friday Roundup at Buffy Silverman’s blog, Buffy’s Blog.
Nix the comfort zone 
I haven’t seen this book yet, but your poem is a wonderful addition. So much I love: wave au revoir, jewel your core with rings, crackled quilt… many gems in this poem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Margaret. It’s a fun form to play around with!
LikeLike
Masterful poetry. What a gift for 4th graders to have a poet/teacher combo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dan. It’s been a lot of fun writing poetry with older students.
LikeLike
Well done, I like the images you present and your rhyming is delightful. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I seldom attempt rhyming poems (or near rhyming), so I really appreciate the positive feedback!
LikeLike
Molly, this is gorgeous! Jewel your core with rings. Love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Irene!
LikeLike
We had to say goodbye to our weeping birch last fall. So many memories. Thanks for this beautiful poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’d love to see your birch tree memories captured in a poem.
LikeLike
Wonderful imagination, Molly. You’ve given this tree a new being! Like Irene, I love “Jewel your core with rings” too. Elaine’s book is terrific, I agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elaine’s book has inspired a lot of students in my classroom, too! It’s simply wonderful.
LikeLike
I haven’t had a chance to read this book yet, but I am loving all the poetry it is inspiring. Your poem is lovely–makes me want to go visit a birch tree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome to visit my birch tree anytime, Kay. It’s delightful and hosts a wide variety of birds.
LikeLike
Lovely poem, Molly–I especially liked your magical final stanza. Things To Do is on my Books To Read list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Buffy! I’m sure you’ll love Elaine’s book!
LikeLike
Sounds like quite a nice life, being a birch tree! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That birch tree certainly enhances my life. 🙂
LikeLike
I love Elaine’s book. What a treat to share it with students. I like your poem, and I’m not alone in especially liking “Spread your skirt of dappled shade/ Jewel your core with rings”. Sensational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, and I adore birch trees! My instructional aide has Vitiligo and she says birches are her tree soul mates because of the coloration change. I can’t wait to share this with her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Molly, this is imaginative and such a picturesque statement from the birch tree. Are you interested in sending me an image poem for the spring gallery?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to do that, Carol! Thanks for asking!
LikeLike
Love your poem, Molly — such great images and word choices. Add me to those praising the second stanza especially — truly beautiful. Glad you like Elaine’s book — it is a fabulous mentor text. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, Molly! I had to read it several times. I love trees. From my home I can observe at least a dozen different kind. And thanks for sharing Elaine’s book; I must add it to my mentor list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful, Molly. I’m also in love with ‘Jewel your core with rings’. Gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like that birch tree enjoys a beautiful and fulfilling life, Molly! You use many wonderful word choices and images, but yes, the ring line takes the cake.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful verbs, Molly! “Cradle” is a favorite, and I also love “Jewel your core with rings.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tabatha. This form is great for focusing on verbs!
LikeLike
Gorgeous lines here: Spread your skirt of dappled shade/ Jewel your core with rings
My friend, who is very fond of birch trees, taught me that groves are one living organism — not separate trees at all. Whoa!
LikeLike