Thursday, September 22, 2016

DMC: "New Girl Literacies" by Linda Mitchell




NEW GIRL LITERACIES

We shared a computer desk,
side by side, first day of school.
I asked her, what is your name?

Shiny braids shook back and forth.
Oh, I see. Where are you from?
Left and right, the braids – no, no.

Español? Or Arabic?
Her hair now quite talkative.

All the words quite clearly, NO.

I clicked on a map, her eyes
swept right, then she clicked a spot.
The braids at rest. Oh, Nepal!


© 2016 Linda Mitchell. All rights reserved.


Jane Yolen has challenged us to write a septercet that features reading or writing this month. What is a septercet?  Click HERE for more details.

Post your poem on our September 2016 padlet. All contributions will be included in a wrap-up celebration on Friday, September 30th, and one lucky participant will win a personalized copy of her fabulous new collection of science poetry:






8 comments:

  1. A different kind of reading! I just talked to a friend who is working with a refugee family, and she was describing how much body language is helping. They speak no English. I'll share this with her, Linda. Love "Her hair now quite talkative"!

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  2. I love this, especially"Her hair now quite talkative." Yes, we communicate in every way we can. Thanks, Linda!

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  3. Every time I read this, Linda, I get goose bumps.
    I'm so glad you are there in that school library.

    I agree with Liz about that talkative hair - so vivid.

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  4. I also love your original take on this challenge and those talking braids! Not to mention the underlying message about acceptance, friendship, and celebrating our differences. Brava, Linda!

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  5. Fantastic idea and good flow of words. What sweet girls you've created.

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  6. I can just Imogen this conversation the little girl with brads swing back and forth love how different your poem is :)

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  7. I like the energy of this poem.

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  8. This is a very different take. I like it. Thanks for the poem.

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