Whispers – Poetry by Xianna Michaels

“Whispers” is a poem for children about writing poetry.

It came unexpectedly to me as I prepared to give a poetry workshop to third grade girls!
Whispers
I do not know where morning went;
  It up and ran away.
I did not see the time I spent
  On my new poem today.
For I was caught surprised again;
  It nabbed me in the shower.
So dripping wet, I grabbed my pen
  And then forgot the hour.
I did not eat; I’m barely dressed.
  I know I’m running late.
But I’m elated, not distressed,
  For nothing feels so great
As when a poem is coming through
  And I am hardly there.
The only thing that I must do
  Is stay alert, aware.
With pen in hand I write the words
  Whispered in my ear
By fairies, elves, or little birds
  Or maybe… G-d is near,
Giving me these words to write –
  It’s been this way before.
I pray my poems will bring delight
  And please, G-d, give me more.

It came unexpectedly to me as I prepared to give a poetry workshop to third grade girls!
Whispers
I do not know where morning went;
  It up and ran away.
I did not see the time I spent
  On my new poem today.
For I was caught surprised again;
  It nabbed me in the shower.
So dripping wet, I grabbed my pen
  And then forgot the hour.
I did not eat; I’m barely dressed.
  I know I’m running late.
But I’m elated, not distressed,
  For nothing feels so great
As when a poem is coming through
  And I am hardly there.
The only thing that I must do
  Is stay alert, aware.
With pen in hand I write the words
  Whispered in my ear
By fairies, elves, or little birds
  Or maybe… G-d is near,
Giving me these words to write –
  It’s been this way before.
I pray my poems will bring delight
  And please, G-d, give me more.