Years ago, when my second-grader brought home a page of grade-school art, I displayed his masterpiece on the refrigerator door. By looking at his creation done in crayon, I wrote a poem when I was enrolled in a creative writing class at the University of Central Arkansas. The poem was published in the university’s literary magazine, “The Vortex.” My first published poem! Double joy, since it was inspired by my small son’s class project.
Masterpiece
The blue clouds drift slowly
in mid-air, with nowhere to go.
The bluebird flies purposefully
between the clouds, over the trees,
and westward.
The silk violet stands waiting . . .
a small hand reaches down.
Lips form a smile,
a voice says, “thank you.”
The vase holds violets, green stems,
and love.
© Freeda Baker Nichols
the bluebird flies purposefully
My first published poem was the spark that ignited my desire to continue writing and publishing poetry. This simple, short poem in free verse is one of my favorites. Do you have a favorite poem? If so, what form was used to create it? Is there a poem you remember from childhood that still rings in your memory?
Freeda Baker Nichols 
Love your photos and words.
LikeLike
It’s so good to hear from you again, Alice.
LikeLike
🙂 still trying to get info right (Ginger)
LikeLike
My first published poem and my first published cartoon: I remember. I was so thrilled.
LikeLike
Yes, those were the days! Good memories. Thanks for sharing that, Carl.
LikeLike
I’m not much of a poet but I enjoy reading it. My favorite writing is lyrical.
LikeLike
Thank you, Talya.
LikeLike
I love what you wrote in free verse — my favorite form! Can’t believe it was your first poem. It’s so lovely.
LikeLike
Well, no, it’s not my first poem. I wrote my very first one as a short rhymed poem when I was probably in the third grade. The poem on my blog today, “Masterpiece” is my first poem that was accepted and published. I’m sorry about the heading to the post. I considered that it makes it sound like first one written, but no, it wasn’t. Thanks, Patricia.
LikeLike
How touching–both the poem and the story behind it!
LikeLike
I always liked the fact that I didn’t have to go outside to “see the blue clouds.”
LikeLike
That is really beautiful for a first published poem, Freeda. I bet your son was tickled pink to hear you getting published inspired by his artwork.
LikeLike
Not sure that I recall how he reacted. 🙂
But he always encouraged me when I was studying “how to write.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite poems for over 30 years has been by Emily Dickinson. It is untitled, as many of hers are, but it inspired the title of my recent book, Beyond the Moon. It’s a story of the tragedy of war. Many of her poems were tragic but her words are so carefully chosen to send her message.
I liked your free verse, which is my favorite style to read.
LikeLike
Thank you, Velda. How awesome that your book title, Beyond the Moon, was inspired by a poem by Emily Dickinson. Your book title is intriguing.
LikeLike
Such a sweet poem, Freeda. I love it. My mother’s family were big on reciting poetry. I remember hearing the refrain from The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner long before I studied it in school. “Water, water everywhere and all the boards did shrink. Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Another poem I memorized in 8th grade comes to mind, especially this time of years “I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vale and hill/ when all at once I saw a crowd/ a host, of golden daffodils.”
LikeLike
Ooohh, Dorothy, I memorized Wordsworth’s poem, too. I loved that one so much, I have it recorded somewhere in a memory book from my high school days. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike