March 2021 SOLC–Day 30
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I used to run 5Ks and I remember the common encouraging refrain from spectators as I approached finish lines: “Finish strong!”
I remember trying to rally to their words. Trying to pick up my pace. Trying being the operative word. At that point, I was typically depleted, though still determined to finish. And finish I did. Every time. My pace didn’t increase, but I continued to put one foot in front of the other until finally, I crossed that finish line.
I feel a little bit like that now. Usually at the end of the March challenge I find myself in a groove, finding topics easily, finishing strong. This year, I’m struggling. It’s been hard to keep my mind on the goal. Yesterday, I almost didn’t post. I was willing to quit. But I didn’t.
Weirdly, simultaneously, I also find myself wanting to commit to a personal project for National Poetry Month. You know, the one in April, the coming month. The one that begins the day after this challenge ends. The one that has me asking, “Am I insane!?”
Anyway, today, I went looking for inspiration for a slice or for a project. I glanced through books, looked at unfinished drafts on my blog (156 of them!) and then, I remembered how one year I had constructed a poem from the titles of my e-mails. So, I clicked on the overflowing “Promotions” section of my Inbox, and using bits and pieces of them in order, created a found poem.
Look!
The extravaganza is coming
crepuscular rays
April sharing
Refresh your space!
Full steam ahead to
art in bloom!
How will you celebrate?
Even my Inbox seems to be nudging me along toward a NPM project!
But for now, here I am, moving slowly forward, step by step toward the closest finish line, the one that marks the end of this challenge.
It’s so close now.
Only one day to go.
Nix the comfort zone 
I so agree. There were a few times I was ready to drop out. Yet we are finishing. I love the format of your poem. It is similar to what I do on the 31st – I put all my titles from this month’s challenge into one slice.
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Oh my goodness… it’s like I was listening to myself this morning, reading your words. I really struggled this morning to get through my Slice. Usually, I can write and write, but I just couldn’t get much out today. Also like you, I feel that need to “push” through, and I miss 5k runs!
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I love your found poem (although I cringe at the notion of what mine could look like….lots of spam based on adolescent viewing patterns on my google account!). We will make it and I am also wondering about committing to a NPM challenge! Write on!!
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I love your found poem! it really does sound like your inbox is speaking wise words to you about April. 😀 Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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30 down! One little itsy bitsy slice to go. Up and down Chases Pond Road we are pulling for you to bat 1.000!
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I remember once finding poetry in Facebook posts. Poetry is everywhere! Art in bloom! I am not committing to a daily poem in April, but only because I am traveling with family and want that to be my priority. Poems may come and if they do, well, then, I’ve won!
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I’m so happy that you found the poem that was hiding in your email. I am also planning to write a poem each day in April–and get my students to write one each day too. The biggest challenge is having our spring break in April–makes it hard for my students (and for me) to keep on track.
Keep looking for those poems! You got this.
Kim
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I am glad you have made it through, I’ve read quite a few of your posts and enjoyed them. It’s kind of helpful to know that others struggle too, that it is a problem with writing. I’m glad you didn’t give up and I enjoyed your found poem of email titles!
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