On Wednesday, a team of students from the Aquinas College School of Education hosted the final March Open Write at Ethical ELA. Jacob Rottier, Bonfils Matenga, Zee Simpson and Brynn Reams offered this process for composing a “nonet of pride”:
- A traditional nonet is written in nine lines – from nine syllables to one syllable.
- Today we will be writing in words instead of syllables.
- You can either do 9 to 1 or 1 to 9 words.
- Your nonet poem should reflect something you’re proud of. So you might have your first two lines be:
I
Am Proud
These young people wrote of their accomplishments, the attaining of their dreams, overcoming odds…beautiful inspiration, all the way.
I thought for a bit. What am I proud of? My sons. My granddaughters. My grandparents. My husband. I am fiercely proud of them all… how to choose just one? What about my work? A professional or personal achievement? Having lived this long? My banana pudding cake? It was kind of amazing…
I grew restless. Maybe I needed to write something unexpected, something different. Inspiration to write is sometimes just so elusive…
And then I knew.
My nonet of pride:
I’ll Say It Just This Once
I
am proud
of my writing
although it isn’t perfect
and doesn’t have to be…
it is always stirring inside me
waiting to be born, and I’m reborn
with the crystallization of every word from ideas
—this is me, living life exponentially, when I write.
My blog header. This theme happens to be called “Hemingway Rewritten.”
*******
with thanks to two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge
Discover more from lit bits and pieces
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
lit bits and pieces 
I love this poem!! You should be proud of your writing…you are a wonderful writer who touches many lives with your words. 🙂
LikeLike
Simply, perfectly said. The title of your nonet really got me. It sounded a little angry, but after reading it, I get it, it’s meant to be read a bit more softly which matches the nonet. You, Fran, should be proud of your writing and “living life exponentially” when you write.
LikeLike
Fran, say it loud and say it proudly! And say it louder for the people in the back. Your humble and kind spirit is not used to speaking out when it is in your own favor, but girl you are a writer through and through and you know your strength. I’m proud of your writing, and you are one I want to be just like – – the peace, the wrinkles, the scars, the joys of living, the spirituality, the spirits of ancestors who visit, the bird and nature messages, and all the things. They shine, sparkle, and dazzle. Most of all, your writing reaches in and touches places that stir deep thoughts…..and helps us on our own journey to becoming.
LikeLike
Your poem is perfect and I have to agree that you are a fabulous writer whose words and perspectives I value. To be honest, however, you could and should write MULTIPLE nonets about many aspects of your life.
LikeLike
Fran, I did not post on Wednesday, so I am so glad to get to read your poem today. It’s a wonderful tribute to your writing talents. You have every reason to be proud.
LikeLike
Fran, this says it all, how one feels when one is compelled to write. What a wonderful poem and I love learning another new format. A nonet, how sweet that sounds. I also enjoyed your preamble about what to write about with pride.
LikeLike
Fran, Thank you for posting this poem that spoke to my heart. “it is always stirring inside me
waiting to be born, and I’m reborn
with the crystallization of every word from ideas” These are my favorite lines. It’s nice to know others experience that “always stirring waiting to be born” feeling. I guess that’s the mark of a writer and you certainly have a talent for putting words on a page that capture feelings, spark ideas, and influence the thinking of others. You go, girl!
LikeLike
Fran, your writing is inspiring, moving, heartfelt, detailed, instructive, humble, and so much more. You have every reason to be proud. For example, here you not only shared your poem but also showed the reader the how and the what of a “nonet.” And you have taught your students equally as thoroughly I’m sure. Thank you.
LikeLike
This is a great poem and a tribute to your writing. I agree that writing doesn’t have to be perfect. After all, we are not perfect. Writing is personal and that is what matters.
LikeLike
From embracing imperfection to “living life exponentially”, this slice ROCKS! I also love these lines-
”it is always stirring inside me
waiting to be born, and I’m reborn”
LikeLike