Erica writes, “Today’s poem was inspired by the poem “Nest” by Jeffrey Harrison. I loved the surprise discovery revealed in the poem and how the poet marvels over this small miracle that they discovered while putting up their Christmas tree. It made me want to explore my own little discoveries and what they revealed about myself or the world around me.”
You can read Erica’s full prompt and poem here, but here is her process if you’d like to use it to write a poem of your own today:
Stanza 1 – The initial discovery. I followed the structure of Harrison’s poem using the words “It wasn’t until…that ___ discovered…”
Stanza 2 – The feeling or reaction to that discovery. I asked myself the question “What ABOUT this discovery sticks with me?”
Stanza 3 – Start with the phrase “And now…”, how are your feelings/reflection on this discovery evolving?
Stanza 4 – Start with the phrase “And yet…”, what contrast or contradiction comes to play as you continue to reflect on your discovery?
Stanza 5 – Wrap up your poem with a final take away moment.
Scrap Paper Love Note
it wasn’t until
I came to make my coffee
that I found his note ~ ~ ~
amazing, cherished
sentiment on a receipt ~ ~ ~
scrap-paper surprise
and now my heart warms
like steam from my Snoopy mug ~ ~ ~
love wafting outward
and yet he is gone
driving to Alabama
me, spooning honey ~ ~
and adding creamer~ ~
swirling joy, blending heartbeats
across the state line
Common Threads 
Kim,
Your poem reminds me of Meditation 17 by John Donne and that elaborate compass conceit. It’s always been a favorite. I need to read the prompt for today. This has been a busy morning.
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Thank you, Glenda! I can’t believe you subbed today in these frigid temps. You are truly an educator at heart, with a lot of grit and determination.
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There is something beautiful about the scrap paper note. While some might think the writer didn’t care, I would counter that they cared so much that they grabbed any piece of paper to convey their message.
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WOW! I love your poem. I am so appreciative that you listed the steps you followed, too. I may just have to give it a try. The image of the steam from the Snoopy mug is still with me!!
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Kim, do you have snow today? It seems like an extra special day for love notes and steaming Snoopy mugs. Hope all is well there!
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Kim, these small gestures have infinite value. I picture you finding that note and the smile that must have come to your face. I find multiple meanings in that word choice, “honey”. As mentioned in my Ethical ELA comment, I find your ending lines incredibly precious, with the cream/coffee-stirring analogy: “Stirring joy. blending heartbeats/across the state line.” So satisfying. And so true. The connection holds despite physical distance…love transcends all. I so enjoyed rereading your poem here, and savoring the sweetness again.
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