My Favorite Things

Lest (first time I've used that word!) you think that I've given up writing altogether, I'm sharing the piece of high falutin' literature I've been working on. 

Actually, it is an assignment for the 7th and 8th grade writing class.  The teacher (and my dear friend) has asked the students to write their own version of "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music.  Some kids have seen the movie, others haven't, but all of them loved the jazzy Tony Bennet rendition that she played for them.  Even the most reluctant writer has been creating lyrics and humming along throughout the day.  Most of my students are not known for their poetic skills or syllable counting abilities, so I've been busy.  There are only so many ways to rhyme X-Box and ipod.

But don't let me fool you.  I've loved every minute of it.  I fell asleep last night composing lines, and woke up at 4:00a.m. with new ones in my head.  Truth be told, it's been a great opportunity to appreciate the little beauties of life.

MY FAVORITE THINGS
Bacon on burgers and french fries with dressing,
Green enchiladas and ice with my Pepsi,
Little League baseball on summer evenings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Memorable moments in black and white photos,
Red Gerber daisies and gardens in neat rows,
Powerful monsoons with brilliant lightning,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Sandwashes, cedars, blue hills in the moonlight,
Clean folded laundry and cookies at midnight,
Time for a good book and lots of reading,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When my head hurts,
When my child cries,
When I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!