Haiku 23

I wasn’t picked last
for my birthday kickball game.
Fifty’s not all bad.

Today we launched our book BOB, NOT BOB at a storytime at BookPeople in Austin, Texas.

This book — a collaborative effort between me and author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Matt Cordell — actually came out in February but today’s the day we celebrated it. With cupcakes. And cough drops. And kleenex and ginger ale and nose spray. Y’know, the usual.

Haiku 22

Book dedications
say each one is for someone.
This one is for you.

Haiku 21

Mama says follow
and her ducklings fall in line.
Nobody looks back.

I’m in San Antonio with my collaborator and accountability pal Audrey Vernick.
Today we are locking ourselves away in our hotel room and writing.
Away from all the distractions of the world.
Wish us well!

Haiku 20

Why is it so hard
to sit down and do the work
that we truly love?

Haiku 19

Some folks go to prom
Authors fill every dance card
with librarians

Haiku 18

Some things cross cultures:
love and food and empathy.
Also? Volleyball!

Hello, Dear Reader — Welcome to what we’ll call April Revisited, which is like Brideshead Revisited only with a much lower budget and Texan instead of British. Actually it’s nothing like that — I’m just trying to make myself feel better. Because, thanks to a technological snafu (that may have been in part due to, well, ME), half of my National Poetry Month haikus didn’t post!!! Aaaaaaak!! At least that’s how I feel.

So, I’m going to do my best to re-create the month (most of my originals are in my notebook or on my phone) but probably with far fewer photos. Which is ok. I didn’t promise photos. I promised the practice of haiku.

And, I apologize to the one-and-a-half of you who were wondering what happened to my haiku. My April was SO crazy with work and travel and life that I didn’t realize until NOW what had happened. Which is an indication that I need more slow down, more yoga and more haiku in my daily life.

Love to all! And here goes…

Today I made one of the many school visits I’m lucky enough to make each year. It was a funny and moving and surprising thing. It always is. Kids. They keep you guessing. And hopping. And writing.

Haiku 17

Some dreams do come true
like having an audience
in a library

I am nearing the end of my time with a houseful of teenagers but I gotta tell you —
I love nothing more than a houseful of teenagers.

Passionate, hilarious, surprising, honest, full of love.
I’ll take ’em every chance I can…

Haiku 16

They talk like they sing
No lyrics or liner notes
but with perfect pitch

We went to a backyard Seder on Friday night and tomorrow’s Easter. Plus, spring! Tis the ecumenical season of reflection and new starts.

Haiku 15

Like an egg, waiting
I am more than a tough shell
I’m tender and bright!

Haiku 14

Scissors like blue crabs
snip snip snip relentlessly
until my hair’s gone