Just back from an elementary school visit — a Young Writers’ Workshop for 3rd-5th graders. 

I love this age. They’ve grown thoughtful and astute, but are still delighted enough with themselves to stick their hands in the air and shout, “me, me” whenever they’re asked a question.

Today we talked about using language that is Specific, Active and Vivid in Every line, in order to SAVE poetry. Cute, hunh? 

Then they tried out their new chops on some riddle poems. Here are two they wrote together, as a group. I was wowed.

Who Am I?
I’m round like a beach ball
and I spin.
I’m mostly blue
as the ocean 
but I’m vividly detailed
with many other colors.
A golden rod
circumferences my spheres.
I represent something you walk on.
Who Am I?

Who Am I?
I’m white, with sockets
like two caves,
old as mold
and inside of you.
I’m smooth as silk
and hard as a hammer.
I’m silent
as a graveyard.
Who Am I?

What do you think? Any guesses?