On this National Day of Forgiveness, it’s time to release grudges and free our spirits – to grant forgiveness and move forward without harboring ill will or resentment. The poetry form introduced today on pages 36 and 37 of Dictionary for a Better World is a quatrain, or a stanza of four lines that may have a rhyme scheme such as aabb, abab, or abcb – or no rhyme scheme at all.
Forgiveness Forgiveness allows us to move on To live more fully before we’re gone To release bitterness and hate To let go of hurt before it’s too late
*During the months of August and September on days when I’m not participating in the Open Write at www.ethicalela.com, I will be writing in response to the pages of Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. The poems, poetic forms, narratives, quotes, and calls to action to make one small difference might be just the medicine my world – or the whole world – needs. I’ll be inviting insights in the form of an immersion into a 10-minute-a-day book study (just long enough to read the page, reflect, and connect). If you don’t have a copy of the book, you can order one here on Amazon. I invite you to join me in making August and September a time of deep personal book friendship. A few teachers will be following the blog and engaging in classroom readings and responses to the text. So come along! Let’s turn the pages into intentionally crafting beautiful change together.
Common Threads 
A meaningful conclusion to your journey through this amazing poetry collection. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Diane, I wish every instructional writing book were this applicable. I learned new poetry forms, connected to the words through real life experiences, and reflected deeply on needed change in my own life. I appreciate your reading and commenting today.
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First, what a great project. Second, the simple rhyme scheme is beautiful and effective here. Your last line sings.
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Thank you, Fran! The project has been everything a good journey is – – scenic, eye-opening, life-changing, and at times challenging when the time commitment saw busy days. But worth it? Oh, my goodness – I loved every step of the way. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate your kind words.
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I will be sharing your padlet at a presentation I’m giving in October. I love that you have worked through the book. It’s a gem! (Your poem is beautiful, and the Naani explanation “consists of four lines totaling 20-25 syllables…not bound by any particular subject,” I love. The “Try It” is awesome, too, especially on National Forgiveness Day. Thanks, Kim.
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Thank you, Trish! My dad used to say, “If your reading isn’t changing your life, then it’s time to change your reading.” This book is transformative, and I’m grateful to the authors and illustrator for creating such an important book for all ages. I appreciate your kind words.
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Kim, I did not know we have a National Day of Forgiveness. I’m reminded forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. Love your poem. Forgiveness really is release.
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Thank you, Glenda. I love this – – that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. Yes, the self-forgiveness can be even harder than forgiving others. I always value your keen insights and appreciate your sharing them.
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National Forgiveness Day. Well, I suppose the first thing I should do is forgive myself for missing it.
And now, what I’ll do is figure out who in my life needs that forgiveness, and figure out the ways, big and small, that I can grant it…
Thank you for this post!
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I just got the book and am browsing through it. So many new and exciting ideas. Thanks for sharing. I’ve enjoy your poetry and have been inspired.
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Interesting view of a complex topic. Yes indeed, celebrate student ingenuity. I think however it’s not homophobia that is fueling the discomfort. It is individualism and freedom and choice. Those are central to democracy. Young people are exploring identity and they need a wide berth in which to navigate.
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Dear Kim: I know we’ve talked before about forgiveness and how much more beautiful the world would be if only people could extend it…outward and inward. “Release” is a perfect directive for forgiveness. I didn’t even know there WAS a National Forgiveness Day! I see Yom Kippur approaching on the calendar next week – the Day of Atonement. These are high and holy things. To forgive is divine…that’s why it is so often excruciatingly hard for humans. But your quatrain conveys great truths: we cannot move on and live more fully if we keep holding on to bitterness and hate. We must release these…for they in themselves inflict more hurt. Like hugging a porcupine – no. Let it go. Release it. It’s the only way healing can begin. You say so much in so few words, my wise poetic friend ❤
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