Poetry Friday: Remembering Nikki Giovanni
Linda at A Word in Edgewise is our host for today. Hop on over there for the roundup.
Remember Nikki Giovanni
This week my social media feed has been filled with Nikki Giovanni posts and memories. What a poet Nikki was. Virginia Tech, where she was a professor, did a lovely article on her.
My oldest child texted me memories of us going to see Nikki Giovanni and Chris Raschka at The Lyric in Blacksburg, Virginia when they released their book The Grasshopper’s Song.
The first memory that popped up for me was listening to her spoken word poem, “We Are Virginia Tech.” Those words were the closing remarks at the memorial service after the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech 2007. Many of my colleagues and friends are Hokies. My dad is from Blacksburg. A few colleagues gathered in one classroom after school dismissed to watch the last part of the service on television. We were all so moved by Nikki’s words—and listening to them again brings back that flood of emotion.
Haiku of the Week
Boston rain
makes way for winter-clad
ducklings
Photo Taken: November 22, 2024, Boston Common
Haiku Written: December 10, 2024
Poem as Picture Book
By Tim McCanna
Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
Paula Wiseman/S&S, 2024
Cold is a 211-word poem that helps the reader experience the cold in many habitats around the world.
Poetry Connections
- Rhyming
- Alliteration
- Consonance
- Assonance
- Imagery
- Vivid Verbs
Links
Grow
This week there hasn’t been a lot of growth—just holding on for dear life. Thank goodness it’s the last Friday the 13th of the year!
6 Comments
Tabatha
Yes, as someone from Blacksburg, I associate Nikki Giovanni with “We are Virginia Tech,” too. Such a devastating time.
What a sweet winter-clad duckling!
Rose Cappelli
Such a special memory you have of seeing Nikki Giovanni! And those winter-clad ducks – priceless.
jama
Yes, I remember hearing Nikki read that poem after the shooting. Devastating. So sad that she’s passed on; I’m glad I got to attend one of her poetry readings years ago — still one of the best in my memory.
Linda Baie
Thanks for posting those words from Nikki about the Virginia Tech shooting, Marcie. I remember because once again I had to have a sad conversation with my students and there this was. Glad you had the pleasure of the Boston ducks and I bookmarked “Cold”, a new one for me! Happy weekend!
Alan j Wright
Your memories of Nikki Giovanni are both rich and abiding, Marcie. I was fortunate to learn about her poetic prowess during my New York years and my respect and appreciation of her writing only deepened. Her writing legacy is to be admired.
Kathryn Apel
I see your Boston duckling and I’m reminded of ‘Alexander’s Outing’, a picture book by Pamela Allen. Rather a gorgeous readaloud puddling duckling story – especially when shared with young children.