Yesterday at IBBY

Hi everyone,

Yesterday Sandy and I drove to St. Louis so that I could join Sylvia Vardell in a presentation at the IBBY regional conference. Everything went well, at least as far as I was concerned. I loved presenting with Sylvia, and I loved it that one of the poems that she featured in her half of of the hour was by none other than Joy Acey. Way to go Joy! It’s the poem in which Joy learns that in some cultures, the position of your hand — palm down or palm facing out — is important when showing size. The audience appreciated the poem and I enjoyed it again.

Sylvia and Janet Wong printed post cards of one of my poems in the newest collection: POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL. I handed out the post cards and read the poem. You may have seen this one already but here it is.

He was so Little
David L. Harrison

Couldn’t reach a chair,
just stood there begging,
eyes bright, fanny wagging
until I reached down.

His puddles were so little
sometimes I’d miss them,
but he always gave himself away,
head hanging,
ears drooping,
ashamed.

Loud noises scared him,
made him whimper,
come running to me
too scared to know what to do,
I’d pick him up,
hold him against my chest
till the shivering stopped.

We grew up together
except I got bigger,
he just got older.

Yesterday
we took him to the vet,
said goodbye,
left him there.

He was so little.
The hole in my heart
is
so
big.

Gamble’s Gifts

Hi everyone,

Now and then I’m reminded to remind you that Sandy and I own a gift store and that store has a website for those who enjoy shopping online. http://gamblesgiftshop.com/store. I hope you’ll check the site when you need to purchase a gift or register a bride. Our prices range from roughly $3 to $3,000.

Today I’m putting final touches on my notes for a presentation I make with Sylvia Vardell tomorrow at the regional IBBY conference. We’re talking about poetry for middle school students and I’m looking forward to it.

Starting Monday, I’m home until mid-November. Hooray!! I’m behind on three books at the moment so I can sure use the time at home to get some work done.

David

He Was So Little

BULLETIN: While I was typing this yesterday, Janet Wong posted the actual postcard and poem. Here’s the link. Thanks, Janet! https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanetWong/posts/683326505028635?comment_id=7282350

Hi everyone,

Next month on October 13 I’ll meet with Sylvia Vardell in St. Louis where we’ll co-present at the regional IBBY conference. Our presentation is titled, “BookJoy for Middle School: Poetry in Many Voices.” I’m looking forward to seeing Sylvia again and having a chance to present together.

Janet Wong, who partners with Sylvia in creating their wonderful collections of poetry, has made up some postcards featuring “He Was So Little,” one of my poems that appears in THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL. I’ll take the cards plus posters that feature other poems from that book when I drive to St. Louis. Thanks Janet!

David