WORDS ARE THE LOOKING GLASS Blog by Children's Book Author - Patricia Sloan

The Holidays always bring back childhood memories for me.  I was thinking about a time - way, way, back :) when I was in about third or fourth grade.  We were assigned the task of selecting a poem and then had to recite it from memory in front of the class.  This was especially difficult for me as I was extremely shy as a child and the thought of having stand up in front of my classmates was absolutely terrifying!  My family was very supportive and suggested different poems they thought might be good, however, I just wanted to find the shortest one I could and get it over with.  My anticipation grew as "Poem Day" was fast approaching and after reading poem after poem - they were starting to become an unwelcome read until....I read those very first words... in that very first poem....that touched my heart for the very first time.

I remember struggling to memorize it and becoming very frustrated.  I repeated it and repeated it until I finally I had it down...and then came "Poem Day" and I was so excited.  One by one the teacher called each student's name and finally my name was called.  I slowly walked to the front of the class and gave my teacher a hand written copy of the poem I was going to recite and then I turned around and met what seemed like a thousand eyes staring at me.  I just stood there.  I could feel the tears starting to swell up in my eyes.  Fortunately,  my teacher immediately recognized my fear and helped me by introducing the title of my poem and the author's name to the class and asked if she could read aloud the first verse with me.  This truly helped me focus on the words to the poem and before I knew it I had finished and everyone started clapping and I was so proud.

I also have a recent family memory I would like to share with you.  The graduation of my son from High School - 2011.  This High School graduation ceremony was very special in that it would be the last one I would be attending for one of my children - my youngest son was graduating.  The ceremony was held in a smaller location as the graduating class was small.  I had arrived early and made sure I had a front row seat.   There were the special honors and speeches....and then I heard those very first words, in that very first poem, that touched my heart for the very first time - they were reciting the poem I had to read aloud so many years ago....THE ROAD NOT TAKEN by Robert Frost.

Later, one by one they called each student's name and finally my son's name was called.  I watched as he walked  up on the stage and accepted his diploma and everyone started clapping and I could feel tears of joy starting to swell up in my eyes and I was so proud.

Thank you for letting me share...and remember to try and make it a Super-Duper Day!

Sincerely - Patricia Sloan