Poetry...

This past week my daughter had to write "Word/Color" poetry for English. Although the assignment was only to write one, she had written three. I was amazed and the depth and beauty of her writing. I would like to publish her poems for you all to read.

Ever since my daughter was very young, I have watched the news with her. I feel it is important she knows and hopefully understands current events. While this isn't her favorite thing to do, she will for me. It isn't that she doesn't care about the news as much as many of the stories sadden her. She has a high level of empathy for others in need or experiencing the trials and tragedies of life.  As she has gotten older she will say "Mom, I can't watch this, it is too sad." or the outrage of the injustice will fuel her up and the will respond with "Mom, why do people do things like this? Don't they know it is wrong?" She as a heart for others, I'm ever thankful.

Maybe this is the reason her poetry touched my heart so much. They are a reflection of her care, concern and love for others. They show a level of empathy I think is becoming less common with our young teens.  I hope you enjoy them and see the spectrum from the joy and laughter of hot pink to the stench and grief of brown and dark purple.

Laughter is Hot Pink
It smells like a field of roses while in bloom
It tastes like a truck full of cotton candy
It sounds like a fully loaded ice cream truck going down your street
It feels like jumpin into a cold pool on a hot summer day
It looks like your dream party coming true
Laughter is making the world stay round

Hatred is Brown
It smells like a burnt turkey on Thanksgiving
It tastes like a bowl of garbage
It sounds like a screaming of an innocent child
It feels like a sword going through your heart
It looks like a baby dead on the street
Hatred is pulling this world in two different directions

Prejudice is Dark Purple
It smells like an animal's body decaying
It tastes like your friend's blood
It sounds like a mother weaping over her dead child
It feels like getting hung on your birthday
It looks like your true love dead with no clues
Prejudice is the reason of of war