A is for Acorn

Have you heard of the ABC Challenge for artists? Neither had I until my son suggested it might be a fun way to spice up my socials. The idea is simple: create a piece of artwork for every letter of the alphabet. I chose to center mine on nature—words like acorn, basil, and cactus—and then, because I can’t help myself, I wrote a poem to pair with each design.

My poetic voice tends toward children’s verse, full of whimsy and wonder, but I believe that children’s poetry should be enjoyed by everyone. When I write, I try to recapture the small, joys of childhood and the contentment that comes from being outdoors. Those feelings guide both my designs and the little poems that accompany them.

I’m sharing my first challenge poem, born out of the acorn season of 2020. We were still shuttered and shocked by COVID, and that fall the oaks unloaded a storm of acorns. They pelted the roof so relentlessly we had to watch our heads when we stepped outside. Finding humor in those strange times felt necessary, so I leaned into the absurd and wrote “A Is for Acorn.” You might notice the Willy Wonka vibe. I hope it makes you smile.

I can hear the acorns dropping.

With no sign that they are stopping.

They’re popping up atop the roof, then down the drain,

It sounds so strange.

I feel that I might be deranged.

I fear that I might be insane.

Perhaps one hit me on the head?

Perhaps these acorns want me dead!

Still more of them are plopping.

They’re skipping and they’re hopping.

With no sign that they are stopping.

I can hear the acorns dropping.

If you liked this glimpse of the ABC Challenge, you might enjoy the poetry collection I put together after I finished. It contains ten of my favorite poems and the artwork that inspired them.