I had originally planned something else for today's post, but then I heard that the world lost Lee, and everything else seemed less. I never had the pleasure of meeting Lee in person. We conversed a bit on social media, but mostly I was just a huge fan. Today's post is for celebrating the life and work of the greatest poet I've ever known. Lee's talent was immeasurable and his prolific work seems boundless. How lucky are we to have such an incredible legacy of expertly weaved words and wisdom. Today, I simply share one of my favorites that seems oh so perfect. He put so much GOOD into this world.
Good Books, Good Times
by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Good books.
Good times.
Good stories.
Good rhymes.
Good beginnings.
Good ends.
Good people.
Good friends.
Good fiction.
Good facts.
Good adventures.
Good acts.
Good stories.
Good rhymes.
Good books.
Good times.
Oh, sending you a hug. One of the beautiful things about the internet is the virtual celebrations we can hold--even a sort of wake for our friend and poetry champion, Lee Bennett Hopkins. I love how this poem invites us in to his entire website. It's what he chose as his welcome sign. And, that makes it so perfect for today. In a world that was not always easy for him or kind, he was so loving and funny and tremendously kind. Lee will be missed.
ReplyDeleteYour comment is such a lovely tribute, Linda. This community is so wonderful in that yes, we can and do all grieve and celebrate together. Virtual hugs to you.
DeleteIt has been a good day for connections all the day, especially when I opened Facebook and saw this sad news, more again. Yes, his welcome poem is the way he was, welcoming everyone. Thanks, Kimberly.
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda it's so nice to be able to grieve and celebrate Lee's life with this community. And yes, Lee was so welcoming. I remember the first time I commented on one of his faccebook posts. I never expected him to respond, because he was thee LEE BENNETT HOPKINS. But he did respond- every time, and he was always lovely.
DeleteThis poem is one of the special ones meant just for children and poetry lovers, Kimberly. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Carol. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThanks for sharing, Kimberly. There's a home interview with Lee from a year ago in which he ends reading this 'signature' poem of his, and offers a hilarious little comment after. (The link is at the end of my post today.) The perfect way to honor him today - this poem.
ReplyDeleteKimberly, we lost a great one this week. So horribly sad. I love the poem you selected. Much love.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jone.
DeleteLee loved to read this poem maybe more than any others of his. Thanks for sharing it today, Kimberly, and reminding me of his beautiful smile that always came afterwords.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. I'm finding solace in all of these tributes that I'm reading. Such a beautiful legacy he left.
DeleteLike you, I never knew Lee personally, but like every reader of his poetry, I "knew" him so well. He wrote about and stood for all that is good in our world. Let's carry on his legacy.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Mary Lee.
DeleteGoodness abounds in his wake. Thanks for this reminder of Lee.
ReplyDeleteYes it does, Heidi- a legacy of goodness.
DeleteThat is a perfect poem to remember and celebrate Lee and all he has given to the poetry world and more.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kay.
Delete"How lucky are we to have such an incredible legacy of expertly weaved words and wisdom." You put that beautifully, and there is comfort in mourning and celebrating together. Thanks for adding to that.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found comfort in this, Molly. I've found so much comfort in all of the posts I've read in Lee's honor this week.
DeleteYes, the world is less without Lee. But he made the world a better place, and we will treasure the many gifts he left us for years to come.
ReplyDeleteYes, each and every one of them, Catherine.
DeleteThanks for sharing Lee's poem Kimberly–this one seems timeless to me, as he felt to me also. Wish he was still with us, we'll carry him on via his books and poems.
ReplyDeleteYes we will, Michelle.
DeleteThanks, Kimberly. This is one of my favorites of his, also. So simple, but it resonates so deeply.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura.
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