Inspired by fellow slicers, I’m attempting a Golden Shovel Poem today. This Sunday’s NY Times “Homes” section suggested writing a Golden Shovel Poem using headlines from the newspaper. I used the headline of an article about Beverly Cleary: “By Observing Minutiae of Life, Cleary Created the Universal Human Experience.”
A Beach Walk with Maddie
“You’re my favorite human.” Rambling side by
Side on the beach, my dear Maddie observing
My attempts to be sprightly, sets aside minutiae,
Centers on the now; the present; this time of
Uncertainty. She smiles, this light of my life,
This granddaughter, who is part Ramona of Beverly Cleary,
And part Hermoine Granger, the smart, perfectionist, created
By J. K. Rowling. We share happy memories, the
Trips to museums, operas, parks, and Universal
Studios, one sweltering summer. “You’re my favorite human.”
She repeats. Ah! savor this experience.
dianeandlynne 
This is the second Golden shovel poem I am reading. I like both and have inspired me to try it. Thank you.
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They are fun to work with. The headline led me to the content.
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I think the golden shovel format is interesting. I first heard of them at NCTE in Baltimore. I have only written one and need to try it again.
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Thank you for reading.
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I love the way you weave the appreciation of your granddaughter with the inspiration left us by Beverly Cleary. A double tribute.
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I love this format for a poem and will need to try it out. So lovely – the walk with your granddaughter, the mention of Ramona and Hermione, and the repetition of “You’re my favorite human.” It is really all she needed to say. But you already knew that…
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Thank you, Lynne. Hope to see you soon.
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I love this format and use it a lot with students. It is a great collaborative venture for them as well. This slice with your granddaughter is precious in so many ways. “You’re my favorite human.” is about the best sentence ever. Thank you for sharing.
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Magnificent Golden Shovel spun from a headline; this is something I haven’t tried. I had to love the inclusion of Hermione. The repetition of those lines “You’re my favorite human” at the beginning and the end frame these savored moments with your granddaughter so perfectly. It’s a compelling form, isn’t it!
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It is a compelling form. I am going to make good use of it.
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Yes. I think I’ll do more of these. Thanks.
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