She dances when she moves through the house nowadays. Pirouettes and sashays as she moves to let the dog out. Little leaps or a jazz step as she heads down the hallway to her room.

I am in awe as I watch her unfold. As she discovers her love of creating. She is learning to bring beauty and creativity to even the mundane tasks of life. Humming as she clears the table or folds the socks.

And, she is discovering the wonder all around her… the poetry in the line of a song, the splash of color on the woodpecker’s head, the way the tulips close in the rain.

She has a notebook for her observations. She calls it her Writer’s Notebook. She totes it back and forth to Writer’s Club on Thursdays. Sometimes she gets it out at home on other days. She likes to use different-colored pens. And she writes.

She used to be tentative about sharing this part of her. Closing her door when she wanted to dance. Asking us not to read from her notebook.

But, lately, she’s been peeking out from behind her inhibitions. Asking me to listen to the words of a favorite song. Words that have touched her, she shares them with me as an offering of herself. Opening the door while she dances – even when Pappa leans on the doorframe to watch. Reading from her notebook to Caleb & me on the way home from Writer’s Club. Mixing & matching one piece of clothing with another to emerge from her room with an altogether “new” look.

And we are all sort of mesmerized by her. Loving this Spring in her life – the flower of her heart opening up so that we can catch a glimpse of the beauty within.

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In recent weeks our Madison has been invited to two poetry readings to share some of her poetry. One of her poems was also on display in a gallery downtown. I asked her if I could share two of her more public poems with you here. I’m thrilled that she said yes… that she would share a bit of herself and continue to let others enjoy the unfolding as well.

You’ll notice that both of them are about her favorite writing subject of late: nature.

Hey Tree

by Madison McKee

Hey tree,

How can you sleep

when you have to hear

the crickets, wolves, owls, and hens?

Hey tree,

How can you live

with squirrels climbing all over you?

Hey tree,

Does it hurt when animals

open you up and live inside?

Hey tree,

I know I can count on you.

Hey tree,

You are strong on the outside

but inside that thick bark there is much more than

just a tree.

 

 

Stars

by Madison McKee

Stars, who shine so bright on a dark, dark night.

Do you visit the heavens so high, all the way up in the sky?

Stars, who flicker like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Under stars I sit with my family at the campfire and connect you,

Drawing pictures in the dark sky.

I am so thankful for your glow,

I just can’t ignore you.

Stars, you shine your light on my way.

In the night sky, you’re the only thing I see.

When I’m out in the darkness, you guide me home.

How I long to know everything about you.

How old are you?

When can I meet you?

What was it like when God hung you in the sky and called you out by name?

I want to say your name.

But, what a distance we are apart.

You are the only thing I see when I am alone,

Far away from home.

But when I look at the stars, I remember God is there too.