Henbit

Daily Note

Every day, a photograph, a poem.

First of all, it’s National Poetry Month sponsored by the Academy of American Poets and I invite you to read a poem a day on their website, poets.org. On April 18th, please carry your favorite poem in your pocket to share with others on Poem in Your Pocket Day #PocketPoem. Download this year’s poster on their website and, if you’re a teacher, learn how to teach Lucille Clifton’s poem “blessing the boats” to which the poster is recognizing. This was one of my favorite months in teaching– to focus on the beauty of poetry, encouraging students to write their own.

Poet Maureen Thorson started an annual event in 2003 to coincide with National Poetry Month: National Poetry Writing Month, or NaPoWriMo. So I encourage you to join in #napowrimo #napowrimo24 and write a poem a day, starting today! Let Maureen’s website encourage your writing: NaPoWriMo.net

I’ve been writing for NaPoWriMo for many years. I missed a few days last year when I was in the hospital, so don’t fret about the “every day” part— but please do start writing poems, even if it’s about the weeds in your garden.

That’s what I’m writing about today — the lovely weed, the henbit [Lamium purpureum], which pops up all over our little town. I love the soft, heart-shaped leaves, purple at the top growing on square stems. Imagine that: nature has square stems! But today, I want to focus on the hearts, because in the chaos and worries of the political climate, we all need a little love.

And so, a poem…

Poetry

Henbit

velvety purple
hearts grow low beneath our feet;
nature sending love

Sheri Edwards
04.07.24 098.365.24
Poetry/Photography

#smallpoems #clmooc  #poetry24 #poetry #napowrimo #napowrimo24 #haiku #henbit #lamiumpurpureum #weeds 

Note:

If you’re interested in a lovely wildflower book, check out Turner Photographics. I have the wildflower book and just ordered the Weeds and the Trees books. His photography is inspiring and clear and the information will enhance your walk through the woods and prairies of the Pacific Northwest.