Some Highlights of 2024
Exciting News: I recently signed a contract for a new book on teaching writing. The book will be published by Corwin. …
Thinking About Observation
We tell our students to be smart scientists, to carefully observe the world around them. But what does that really mean?
Waiting for Music
Tight buds loosen / and tiny fists bring / gifts: new leaves/ pea green and shy.
Wildflowers
Help wanted: sturdy individual / interested in grassroots work / at a number of rugged locations …
Owl Pellets
Owl pellets are about the unlikeliest subject for a love poem—maybe that’s why this poem has always been one of my personal favorites.
Playing With Fire
You said you / loved me / that afternoon / behind the woodpile
Snow Angel
This is a poem about a snow angel, but in another way it could also be a poem about poetry itself.
Grandma
On the first warm morning / she’s kneeling in the dirt, / smiling and humming / like she does making bread.
New Baby
Soon as the baby gets born / before she’s two hours old / people start dividing her up …
Beach Baby
She’s one year old. One tooth. / A total pudge.