Sawaya's Visit

Today I went with Sawaya (the Kenyan friend who told me the story of Mumsi Meets a Lion) to a group of 5-year-olds. I told about writing the book, and Sawaya told about life in Kenya. The children were cute and had many questions for both of us. (Where did you get your idea for the book? How did you get to be friends? Have you ever seen a lion? What toys do children in Kenya have? What did you eat in Kenya? and so on.) The children had all read the book, so they knew lots of things to ask about. Sawaya spoke in Swahili to them, and they sang "Blow, Blow the Kenyan Wind" for us. They will be performing a musical version of Mumsi Meets a Lion for their kindergarten spring program in May. The students have made instruments and costumes for the program. I'm eager to see my book on the stage.

Poetry Month

I want to post several poems this April in honor of National Poetry Month. Here's a new poem written for a seventh-grade literature class by my 12-year-old son. I think he's got a lot going on in this--possibly more than even he knows. It is a prime example of what can come from an exercise in stylistic imitation. This poem imitates "Swift Things Are Beautiful" by Elizabeth Coatsworth.

Loud Things Are Beautiful

by H.C.S.

Loud things are beautiful

like a lion roaring,

a bear rearing back,

the raindrops pouring.

A hyena’s laugh,                             5

a busy town,

a gunshot,

Bang! The target is found.

Quiet things are beautiful,

calm, and sweet:                              10

a honey drop oozing,

a butterfly’s wingbeat.

The sun in its beauty,

the moon in its peace,

the calm of the desert,                    15

the sheep's woolly fleece.