Finding words for boys {Day 3}

Sometimes… when you’re thinking of what to say about a topic… you have to do a little mind map.

I decided to create a little Wordle.net collage that come to mind when I think about my boys… I’m sure I could’ve added more words, but due to time constraints…. here it is!

I’m categorizing this as “visual poetry.”

If you’re new to poetry (or new to parenting boys), I hope you’re not disappointed by this little word art poetry of mine. I hope you weren’t expecting a sonnet (although I may get to that by the end of the month!).

Visual poems or “found” poetry (as I can see a poem in these words all tossed about) is simple, beautiful, transient, even if it may not be as profound, intricate, or impressive as classical form poetry. I love both kinds of poetry, by the way!

(Also, I’m hoping any of you who were scared off poetry in high school might see through this series how easy creating poetry can be!)

Remember, dear moms of boys, poetry is found in unexpected places. In a jumble of words, or their clothes on the floor. In the trail of dirt tracks, showing their path much traveled by… in fingerprints left on windows, ghosts of fascinations past.

I’d rather have the messy poetry of these days with my boys, then the straighter lines of life I had before they were born.

Words for thought:

One reason I chose to put poetry and parenting boys together is that I feel strongly about the craft of poetry – how I can build and shape words to send meaning and feeling out into the world. Am I not doing the same with my children, and often with my words?

Are the words I use to describe my boys putting them down or building them up? When I talk about my boys, do I describe them in terms of what they can be (enthusiastic, empathetic, thoughtful) or am I focusing on the struggle of where they are right now (distracted, shy).

I am struck by how some words are predictable (dirt, trucks, tough), and others speak to what I hope to develop in my boys (verve, determination, spirit). The benefit this exercise is how it is helping me think about what words I HOPE to use to describe my boys…

Creating a visual poem like this is has been very enlightening! I see ways I can build them up. Interests I could help them explore. Areas where they need more prayer support. I’m thinking about scripture passages or character traits I hope will be on the next word collage!

Proverbs 25:11 – A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Word art project for future days?

I think a word collage / visual poem like this could be a good activity to do yearly – maybe on their birthdays. Create a word collage for each boy, print or save and keep it with that year’s collection of artwork and mementos.

I could make a college of words to pray over my boys and put it in my Bible! So many ideas springing out of this one post!

What words come to mind when you think of your boys/children?