It's Poetry Friday, and Tabatha Yeatts-Lonske is hosting HERE on her blog, The Opposite of Indifference. She's sharing special words from Laura Purdie Salas, a call for what we all need! Be sure to get over there to read Laura's poem! Thanks for hosting, Tabatha!
In the news of the terrible, life-altering flooding this past week, in Texas first, then in New Mexico as well, I saw heartbreaking stories of losses that felt unimaginable. Yet, I also saw many stepping up to help, to support, to search, and to give what seemed needed at the time. Recently, I read the final book, created by Jerry Pinkney and completed by his son, Brian, after Jerry's passing. The book was written by Sascha Alper, and I thought of it as I watched those whom Mr. Rogers told us to look for, "the helpers."
Here is my review:
Everyone in our world has something to offer, perhaps a small thing, perhaps a large one, but in this extraordinarily poignant story, Sascha Alper tells us that what each one of us does matters. When Jerry Pinkney passed away, he left his sketches for this book, and his son, Brian, completed it. The illustrations swirl as readers see the action of a hummingbird carrying "The Littlest Drop", trying and not giving up to put out a fire. Other animals watched, amazed, knowing it would do no good, and told it that. The hummingbird replied, "I'm doing what I can." What happens next from others will bring a few tears, also a learning, that working together brings success that one might not imagine, until one begins to "do what one can". It's truly special, and perhaps even more needed in these demanding times. There are notes from Sascha Alper and Brian Pinkney at the back.
Thoughts
May we tell the day backwards?
That time of fun,
Of loving hours when
Laughter reigned.
No memories shaken?
I hear dishes clinking at dinner,
Maybe a story told
By old and young.
A few yawns noticed.
Heading for bedtime,
If Wishes were horses,
You know the answer,
So we do what we can
To hug and bring relief,
Say thanks for those
Who have one more day.
Linda Baie (c)
Like so many parents, the news out of Texas was almost too much to bear. You drop your child(ren) off at summer camp, such a joyous tradition, never expecting that you won't be seeing them again. It makes me hug my little so much closer.
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't read the last Jerry Pinkney book - I have so much trouble reading "last ones" - but now I need to, because "I'm doing what I can" is a powerful statement of purpose. What we can IS ENOUGH, if we ALL do it...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing one more poem and reminding us to savor one more day.
Thank you for the reminder to keep carrying our drops, Linda! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone. I've been out all morning, errands, errands, errands! Hope your Fridays are going great!
ReplyDeleteWe are asked to bear so many unbearable things in this life, but yes, we do what we can. xo
ReplyDeleteI feel like I should have heard of this book already--but I have not. Thank you for introducing it. I think I need to pick this up for my students.
ReplyDeleteOh, this truly does sound like a special book, Linda. Thanks for highlighting it. The suffering from those floods is unimaginable. Thanks for sharing a drop of love, for doing what you can and encouraging us to do the same.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to be reminded of the the Mr. Rogers "helpers" quotes in tragic, sad times. Thank you. And I'm really glad to know about this book. I've just put a hold on a copy at the library. Your poem is poignant and beautifully expressed.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks to all! It's been a busy day, and I'm glad you enjoyed discovering the book and my poem about "all" of us together!
ReplyDeleteI love your first line in this poem. What an invitation. I just put the book on hold as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcie, enjoy the book!
DeleteYes, we do what we can! thanks for all of this, Linda. I especially like the last lines of your poem "Say thanks for those /Who have one more day."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rose, heartfelt, but sad, too!
DeleteWow, Linda - you've packed in so much humanity and pathos into this post and your poem - thank you for putting into words what so many of us are feeling. (I'm also a huge fan of that first line!) I didn't know about this book - what a treasure and tribute from son to father, and a timely text from Sascha Alper. Thanks for sharing all!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda for emphasizing and supporting the idea of our small actions and their importance in your poem and in this book too! The world is a whirlwind of overwhelming happenings continuously coming at us, and remoter small acts and their value may help us all!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robyn & Michelle, wishing us all the ability to add to all the actions we can, to help those in need, to fight for everyone's rights.
ReplyDeleteI love this book and the stroy behind it. Thank you for sharing it with us today.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love that you know it, Jone. Thanks!
Delete"LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE, BE WHO YOU ARE, DO WHAT YOU CAN"--these are the words that I gathered to myself (a combination of mantras by Arthur Ashe and Forrest Church, UU minister). They are serving me pretty well. I was in Pittsburgh last week at a museum that had an exhibit of Mr. Rogers's Neighborhood, and as I watched one of the early episodes playing on the Magic Screen, in which Fred Rogers looked directly at me with his full and genuine attention--the value of figuring out who you are, what you are here to do, and doing it as hard and as purely as possible, struck me again. When any of us--author, illustrator, teacher, booklover--does that, we make an outsized impact.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review, Linda, and I hope you're doing well!
ReplyDeleteI am busy with new things at the bookstore and working on finding a gardener to repair my lawn. All is good, Heidi! I love that you told me about this exhibit. How wonderful that is! Thanks!
DeleteSuch a heartwrenching reminder --in the face of so much loss. Thank you, Linda.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am sorry that i am late in joining you. Your review of the book is wonderful and your poem is touching. This line from you review makes me want to read the book ASAP: The hummingbird replied, "I'm doing what I can." That seems to be a comment I use quite a bit lately. Your poem is full of memorable thoughts. Telling the day backwards sounds like a wonderful way to keep the day as a living memory. May your week be filled with loving memories of summer.
ReplyDeletei wonder where my comment went?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia & Carol. I know that, like that hummingbird, we do what we can. Carol, After 3 days, the comments need to be approved! Wishing you both a wonderful rest of the week!
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