Look at what came in the mail this week!
I'm so excited to have a print copy of this anthology co-created by our little community. Michelle Heidenrich Barnes hosts these monthly challenges, blog guests issue the individual challenges, and we accept the challenges and contribute. Michelle assembles a group of judges who carefully read and consider every poem. It was an honor and a pleasure for me to help choose the included poems this year (though I must say several tough decisions had to be made along the way). Michelle organizes final choices and puts them into book form. Michelle's daughter creates a beautiful cover. And voila! A treasured keepsake is born.
Michelle dedicated this anthology to the memory of Lee Bennett Hopkins, "with utmost gratitude for his guiding light."
Today, in honor of Lee and Michelle, I share this poem from the book:
for Lee Bennett Hopkins
by Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
The L.B. Hopkinsaurus
is a rare and noble breed--
a prince among the wordivores,
he always takes the lead.
At feasting "dino"ccasions
when poetry is served,
his taste for inky gobbling
is robust and unreserved.
He might appear well-mannered
but once he's on a roll,
he holds the Guiness record
for collections swallowed whole!
The L.B. Hopkinsaurus
wears a venerable crown.
Don't ask him to retire,
or even to slow down.
This Energizer Dino
with his charismatic roar
says when it comes to Poetry,
we all should eat much more!
Thank you, Lee! Thank you, Michelle! Thank you, Poetry Friday community! If you don't already have a copy, treat yourself. This book is a gem!
Here here to "eating much more" poetry! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait for my copy to arrive.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Rebecca! :)
DeleteThis poem is wonderful Kimberly, I haven't seen it. It fits Lee so well, I think he's smiling at it from a distance. Thanks for sharing Michelle's new book–while I read a version on line I'm looking forward to reading it from the actual book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and yes, I think this collection is making Lee very happy.
DeleteI have my copy, am slowly reading through the poems, Kimberly. It is so special about Lee: "for collections swallowed whole!"
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a perfect tribute, Linda. He did so much to support this community and aspiring poets in general. I know this collection is making him smile.
DeleteThank you for this beautiful post, Kimberly, and for sharing my Hopkinsaurus poem. I'm honored! That poem was so much fun to write! Thanks also for all the work you put into helping to choose the poems in the book. Tough decisions, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me take part, Michelle. This collection and this community make my heart happy :)
DeleteI can't wait! My copy is winging it's way to me now. I do adore the community we share. I learn so much and find strength in the kindnesses between poets. This poem is so funny! I'm sure LB would be laughing his famous laugh. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! This community and this collection make my heart full.
DeleteFabulous poem -- so nice to think of Lee this week. Thank you for helping to choose the poems for the new anthology -- looking forward to savoring all the poems in it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jama. You're going to really enjoy this collection :)
DeleteMy copy is on its way--and I'm looking forward to devouring all of it! You picked a fantastic poem to share from it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kay, and Happy Reading! You're going to love the collection!
DeleteExcellent poem,so apt a way to honour the great LBH. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it, Sally :)
DeleteThis poem is so much fun! I want a copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteYou will love it, Cheriee!
DeleteSo cool! I love it that this anthology exists! Thank you for sharing the Hopkinsaurus poem.
ReplyDeleteHappy to share and so happy you enjoyed it, Ruth :)
DeleteOh, how perfect to read this poem again here. Thanks for sharing, Kimberly. And thanks to Michelle (& Miranda, and you and all who helped bring it to life!) for this collection. Still waiting for my copy, but a little birdie told me it's on the way... :0)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
So glad you enjoyed it, Robyn. Hope your copy arrives soon! :)
DeleteYay, Michelle. What a fantastic tribute poem for Lee!! Can't wait to see the latest Ditty book!!!!
ReplyDeleteJanet Clare F. Thanks, Kimberly for a terrific post!