Thursday, December 01, 2005

Anna and Emily

Anna approached me night before last and said this to me, "Mom, remember how you asked what we wanted for Christmas? I want an anthology of poems."

After I came to and got off of the floor, I said, "You DO?". She told me that her poetry teacher (a local poet who had volunteered to teach the kids poetry for 6 weeks) had told them about anthologies and she was interested in reading one. She has talked about the poetry class many times in the past few weeks and I could tell it was something that really caught her attention from the get-go.

She has a specific interest in Emily Dickinson. After asking for the poetry book, she gave me a pretty comprehensive background of Emily Dickinson that she had learned in her class. Anna spoke about it with such enthusiasm and genuine interest, that I knew this was something that had somehow struck a chord in her. She read me poems that she had written in class, including one about my Dad's shirt (a shirt that she kept to remember the smell of my Dad). It touched me so much that I started to cry. I felt so much pride, listening to her talk the poetry and her interpretations of that the words meant. At times like this, I'm so overcome with love and pride, I feel like I may blow. All you parents out there know exactly what I mean.

I hope her interest in poetry and writing sticks with her. I'll do what I can to lend to this interest. In the mean time, I'll just sit here about to burst with pride and try not to smother her with hugs and kisses every minute.

8 comments:

DaniGirl said...

Wow! A lovely girl with a beautiful mind - you done good with that one, Renee!

Cindy N. said...

That is wonderful. I have never heard of a child that young asking for such an item. I am quite impressed. How knows? At some time in the future, I might be able to say "I know that author/poet! I knew her when she was a little girl. She played in my living room floor." :)

Spikey1 said...

Wow, goes to show ya... my guy just wants more books about spaceships and firetrucks! You should be proud indeed!

beki said...

She's so very mature for her age. You should be proud.

Mise en Place said...

Oh, how great is THAT. Mine aren't quite there yet, but I believe I like you, would be picking myself up off the floor. Very funny.

Who knows where their interests will take them. My son loves to take pictures, so we got him his own little digital and he's off. I say "let their passions begin"

Thanks for swinging by, I love company. I'm bookmarking you, so I'll be back.

still_figuring_out said...

:) that is lovely. i`m not a mom yet, but i think i can understand (at least 10%) of the love/pride you feel for her :)

Carrie Guevara said...

If you search Google print you should be able to find some really good ones that you can print out for her. :) She sounds like such a great kid!

Mary Tsao said...

So cool! Definitely nurture that interest.