
Today’s host for the Open Write at http://www.ethicalela.com is Angie Braaten, who inspires us to write On Turning….poems, modeling verse about a particular age after Billy Collins’ On Turning Ten, and then to take it a step further by trying to connect form choice to the foused age. I chose a nonet since I chose to write about turning nine. You can read her full prompt here.
Karma Clogs
When I was nine years old, I wore clogs.
Chocolate brown leather ones, stamped
with daisies. With wooden soles.
I kicked the class bully.
Fourth grade girl drama
met its match with
those weapons!
Karma
clogs.

Perfect form for this. Yes, I had clogs too! But I never thought about them as a 4th-grade weapon! 🙂 Those could cause some bruises on the shins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photo geek me back! To a whole era. Funny how the daisy-stamped clogs struck out at the bully- a twist we didnt expect! And thank you for always sharing Ethical ELA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not geek but took! Yikes, I need to re-read before hitting post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kim,
I remember having similar clogs and loving them. You lived a privileged life getting to wear those clogs at 9. That would have been sacrilege in my house. I’m glad you kicked the bully. Reminds me of when I hit one w/ my purse in ninth grade. He deserved it. I stood my ground when I was sent to the office and defended my actions based on teachers and administrators ignoring the problem. I told them because they did nothing I had to take matters into my own hands. Goid times!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I had forgotten about clogs. They make you taller and in your case stronger too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I had a pair of cowboy books in second grade that served a similar purpose. Completely unlike me to fight back, but those boots made me brave. Thank you for sharing–empowering, poetic slice today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for teaching me about a new poem form – nonet. This structure works so well for your clog memory. Loved the photo! Loved how so many others connected to your topic. I am wondering why I didn’t have clogs? Maybe it was the Catholic school uniform. Feeling a little jeaolous all these years later!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love seeing the clogs! Oh my goodness – I had totally forgotten this “look” from my youth … love the nonet, love the clogs and the story!
LikeLiked by 1 person