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Carmen Peone

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I am

by Carmen Peone 6 Comments

In Memory...

 

Recently I substitute taught in middle school, language arts, and one class was studying poems.  Specifically I AM poems which have a specific way about them.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the model:

FIRST STANZA

I am (2 special characteristics you have)

I wonder (something of curiosity)

I hear (an imaginary sound)

I see (an imaginary sight)

I want (an actual desire)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

 

SECOND STANZA

I pretend

I feel (something imaginary)

I touch (imaginary)

I worry

I cry

I am (repeat the first line of the poem)

 

THIRD STANZA

I understand (something that is true)

I say (something you believe in)

I dream

I try

I hope

I am (repeat the first line of poem)

 

Today sad new whipped through the telephone lines, buzzed my ear, a sting settled into my heart. I stood stunned. Angry. Crying. I special three-year-old girl in our small, precious community passed away in a car accident the night before. I write this I AM poem in her honor. She is now in the arms of God, her Creator. Smiling. Playing. At peace. The piece of hope I cling to.

 

I am dazed and distraught

I wonder why it had to happen

I hear her cries

I see her tears

I want her to come back into her mother’s arms

I am dazed and distraught

 

I pretend I am in Heaven with her

I feel her sweet face in my hands

I touch her golden hair

I worry about her parents and grandparent, all her family and loved ones

I cry as I write this, picturing her tender face in my mind

I am dazed and distraught

 

I understand God’s love for her––His daughter, His princess

I say He is a God of comfort, grace, and mercy

I dream of playing with her once again and hearing her sweet, innocent giggles

I try to wrap her death around my spinning thoughts and emotions, capturing them, understanding

I hope this princess’s mama can feel God’s arms wrapped tightly around her, enfolding her in His embrace

I am dazed and distraught

Rest in Peace angel girl.

 

 

 

Related

From Carmen, Youth child, death, grief, morning, poetry

Carmen Peone

I have come to honor and respect the people and the Colville Tribal heritage and wanted to create a legacy for my sons and grandchildren including their culture and our family’s Christian faith.

I believe in adventure and its benefits.

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Comments

  1. Christy Woolum says

    July 13, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    The I Am format worked beautifully for this poem. Very inspiring. I also liked your educational posts done more recently. I just found another format that was new for summer school, but can’t find it now! When I do, I will share it.

    Reply
    • Carmen Peone says

      July 18, 2014 at 12:01 am

      Thank you. This post never came through in my email. So sorry I didn’t catch it earlier. Yes, I would be interested in the Poem format, Christy. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Have fun in summer school! The kids are fortunate to have you.

      Reply
  2. Alice Trego says

    April 25, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    Breaks my heart to have read about the loss of this little girl, Carmen. I feel your pain, and know the pain her family is/will be going through. But somehow your poem was consoling to me. Sharing your poem with the little girl’s family may provide them with some solace in their time of grief.

    Reply
    • Carmen Peone says

      April 29, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      Thank you, Alice. I do plan to share it with them. I appreciate your support!

      Reply
  3. SimplyDarlene says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Oh miss Carmen. I’m so sorry for the loss of this most precious earthly gift, but rejoice with you in the knowledge that she’s in God’s midst. I pray for peace that surpasses all understanding for her family and your community.

    Your words weep. I hope they help you, and others, to heal.

    Love you.
    I do. I do.

    Reply
    • Carmen Peone says

      April 29, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you, Darlene! Sorry I haven’t commented sooner. Thank you for your blessed prayers. Love you too!

      Reply

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