Poetry Month: My Crusader 11 of 30

For the month of April, I'll be writing poetry each day in celebration of National Poetry Month.  I've decided not choose a theme, not to plan the writing, but instead to wait to see what poetry finds me each day. 

This month, I've been following Mary Lee Hahn's challenge to write a golden shovel poem each day from a student selected quote.  I've been so fascinated by the process.  I've never tried to write a golden shovel poem, though I have started to see them here and there since Nikki Grimes published One Last Word.  Last night, I came home from the gym prepared to write a humorous golden shovel of my continuous battle with an exercise routine, but this is where it ended.  Today's golden shovel first attempt is inspired by a quote from Glenda, the Good Witch, from the Wizard of Oz.  It's a favorite.  Thanks, Mary Lee, for the push gentle nudge to try something new.  

it's not just you

who wonders always

how you missed the chances you've had, 

but you are not one to let the

 world have power

over you, instead, you say this is my

moment to make a difference, you hold dear

to what matters most to you 

though the world is not just.

you reach beyond chances you've had

to all that can be, to

find the way forward. you learn

along the way, and it

takes time - great time - for

change, but you always begin by taking the first step yourself.

© Cathy L. Mere, 2018