YA Contemporary Author and Poet
I’d like to go for a walk in the woods A forest A grove A riverbank A valley A wet grassland A secluded marsh Along a fallen log I would find a tree and climb it And sit for awhile See the plants The birds The insects The amphibians The mollusks The mammals The reptiles I’d […]
Read More A Move to the WoodsI’ve submitted my manuscript and, at long last, am on the verge of possible success at finding an agent. The feedback I received from my query transformed my manuscript. Even if I do not get representation, I’ve been able to improve my work and I’m super grateful. I still prefer representation.
Read More High HopesOnce rejected and death threatened Sixteen years pass Theavery and Tearing Snatching of Bread and Brisket Chasing Pouncing Fighting and Spitting Claiming the pile of catnip Roll in the grass and Sun on the concrete Thunderous purr when you see me Sleep in your spot Thank you for staying Know that I love you and you […]
Read More Parades and ChimneysI want to write about something beautiful To be inspired by stories of the world But One must scour the pages for a positive To find a kindness One must reach passed The wretched behavior of Mothers and Sons Must shield against the atrocities of neighbors And the lost trust in our government and police […]
Read More Something BeautifulCreaking floorboards Announce my arrival Flickering lights Announce my intent Empty halls and silence Greet and dismay But I am A willow Bending back But never snapping And A stone Falling fast But never cracking Because I believe
Read More DenyDigging through Boxes Yellowing tape Peeled back A clash of swords A twist of pain A slight of hand A ghost of memory Of me Of you Of Us
Read More BoxesSeventh Graders will often use the wrong facial expression / voice inflection / emotion when expressing themselves. When it seems that they should sound happy or sad, they do not. Or, perhaps, they should sound worried or concerned but they are expressionless. This is just something I have noticed while teaching. Please consider the following: […]
Read More Set upPublic Policy Levels of Government Don’t be an idiot Learn who to contact Who does What Cooperate Identify Propose Approach Communicate It isn’t hard Just do it Do it anyway
Read More Civic EducationMarshmallows are not for breakfast.
Read More Gentle ReminderSo, when you’re just about there Thinking You’ve done good You’ve finished You’re accomplished You can take a break It isn’t true You’ve got more To accomplish To keep To learn To Strive toward
Read More Keep
Effie Graves 