Tuesday
May252010
The Root Of My Profoundest Joy And The Basis For The Possibility Of All Thought Begins In The Ability To Find Connections Between Unlike Things And That's Why This Poem By My 11-Year-Old Son Made My Lip Quiver
JACKSON
Jackson is a marvelous word
It's syllables glide across your tongue
As if they were kites
And as they leave your mouth
They are like cats
Gracefully jumping into space
Without a second thought
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reader Comments (37)
I have a degree in English composition, I edit for a living, and I've taken several poetry worksops.
And this is better than anything I could ever hope to write.
This is really cool.
Dang, he's got your you.
Wow. You'd better hope he doesn't start blogging anytime soon. Just what you need, another shark in the tank, right?
He's got a long, twisted, love-hate relationship with words and their uses ahead of him. In the end, I think he'll be glad for it, and you definitely will.
Jesus.
Kid's got something there.
I never knew....
Stomach is knotted up, chest is heaving...I just am in awe! Love to you, Jackson...Nana
That is a fantastic poem. He has the spark.
Oh, my. Simply wonderful.
Just. . . wow. Surprisingly fantastic poem, and your title combined with it has me a bit teary. . .
I have read it all and ...He is your son.
Leaping into space without looking is an excellent trait in a syllable, and in an 11-year-old-boy.
The boy definitely has a future in words.
That last line really gets me. Damn. I think he's really got something there.
Bravo, Jackson! Congratulations, Pops. It's a lip-quiverer for sure.
Damn!
*quiver*
Terrific!
nice!!! yay to the jay!
the boy chld has the gift as well it seems. genetics ftw!
he's got it, that kid.
That is so amazing. I love "they are like cats" onward... so true. Go Jackson :) He's got your gift with words and your ability to reach out, grab something, and tie it to another like they were always married that way.
Nurture every time.
Oh my.
You don't have to publish this comment if you don't want, but I have to say: that "it's" should be "its" without the apostrophe. Otherwise, that poem is perfect. He's got a little Billy Collins in him, it seems. Do you guys read Billy Collins? Cause if you don't, he might like him. Very similar poetic styles.
Also, while I'm in a literary mood, it has to be said that the juxtaposition of your fantastically wordy title to his tightly worded and brief poem is just plain fun. Well done.
Seriously. Your title is 40 words to his poems 34, and that's cracking me up.
Almost as hilarious as my apostrophe error in that last comment. I need a nap.
Yep. That'll do it. He's gonna get laid any day now.
What about the "it's" though? I guess it's easier to learn grammar than it is creativity. In fact, one might argue that the latter can never be "learned."
I'm certain you caught the "it's," and I'm also certain you decided to publish as is, which is why I didn't say anything about it. As I said above, I proofread for a living, but I'm pretty sure I didn't know the difference between "its" and "it's" when I was Jackson's age.
genius child goes with genius dad and screw apostrophe's.
That was very impressive. And he's what, 11? (Sorry, I haven't been reading that long). Just help him with using apostrophes correctly and someone looks like he is going to be an incredible writer. I hope that he sticks with it (and that you continue to share it).
holy shit
Rock on!
Aw, Jackson. So perfect.
And how utterly wonderful to be so in love with your own name. Good choice, mom and dad.
Oh. Have you people never heard of Apostrophe Amnesty?? I've been guilty of getting it wrong before (again and again), but there's a time and place for militant apostrophizing.
chops.....fucking scary chops
this makes me happy to have a jackson of my own.