Answered the call at We Write Poems (although we won’t post there until Wednesday) to write a poem that begins, “I’m willing to eat ____.” Tried to avoid the most obvious noun (ha ha), because, although I have consumed a fair amount of shit in my life, rarely was it willingly!
Also posted at my NaPoWriMo home, We Write Poems, and at Poets United. Peace, Amy
Willing to Eat Worms
I’m willing to eat worms
or walk through fire for you
Shield you from harm
Comfort you when thunder
steamrolls over your sleep
Hold you when you weep after
someone calls you a name
Why? Because I’m your mother.
I’m willing to swallow all pride
…except my pride in you, kiddo
© 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
Debbie
So beautiful . . .and I know it’s true too. Thanks Amy, for being that kind of mom!
Mary
Oh my! I love my daughters greatly, but I can’t say I’d eat worms for them. Ewwwww!
Sharp Little Pencil
C’mon, Mary, you know you would! Maybe a little mustard? 😉
pmwanken
You have a lucky daughter!!
Thanks for coming by my post….I always appreciate the feedback.
Because I’m SO new to this poetry-writing journey (four months does not a poet make), any analysis/critique of a more specific nature is also welcome!
Thanks!!
Sharp Little Pencil
Same here, Paula. I’ve gotten great feedback during these first two years of “poeming.” Always welcome! And thanks for the sweet comment about Riley. Believe me, I’m the lucky one! Amy
Mr. Walker
A great mom poem. I’m glad you’d eat worms for a real reason, not because you were on some “reality” show. Great picture, by the way.
Sharp Little Pencil
The reality show part didn’t even occur to me. What’s the name of that poor man who will eat huge portions of food? Man v. Food? What a sad commentary on our society, that this guy makes huge bucks willing a heart attack on himself while millions starve. Thanks for the mention of the pic. She’s six inches taller than I am and just a doll!
vivinfrance
What a lovely response to what I saw as a prosaic prompt. I feel that way about mine.
Sharp Little Pencil
I know you feel the same, Viv. One difference about the process: For me (perhaps because I am so wacky), I saw the prompt and immediately thought of the worms!! Go figure! Amy
Tilly Bud
A wonderful expression of a mother’s love 🙂
Ron.
I hear this. My mother woulda not only been willing, but woulda sat down to a plateful of them like it was spaghetti, like it was the most appetizing entree in the world, for her kids. Not batted an eye.
I have no kids. I’m not sure I’d have the same gumption. I guess that’s why I never had them.
Wonderful work, this one. salute.
Sharp Little Pencil
Ron., I think the better your parents, the more likely you are to be a great parent yourself. The opposite is true: I grew up wanting parenting I never got, and so I watched others and took cues from them so that, by the time I had Riley, I was on more solid footing. That said, I wish more people who DON’T want children would admit it! Some folks procreate just to shut their mothers up…!
Thanks so much. Amy
David King
And you’d better believe it!
Roger Green
very sweet, as worm consumption goes.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’ve eaten worse… ha ha ha
brenda w
Straightforward…an arrow of love. Weird that you got there eating worms. ha! Well constructed piece, Amy. It brought a smile. The picture is nice, too.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Brenda. Still don’t have the hang of inserting pix correctly in WordPress, but what the hell? “An arrow of love” is a sweet comment, so I thank you again. Amy
ladynimue
I love this !! simple sweet and the pic is stunning too 🙂
booguloo
I bet you two startle stop a lot of deer with those high beams!
Sharp Little Pencil
Michael, that is a true compliment! Will tell Riley when we talk tonight… Bless you. Amy
Buddah Moskowitz
Bee-yoo-tee-ful! That’s how I feel about my kid too!
Another perfect poem! Yay!
luv from yo brudda from anudder mudda
Sharp Little Pencil
Whether it’s a mom or dad, we’d all scarf ’em if necessary! Thanks, brudda… Ameleh
pamela
Amy, this is a beautiful way of expressing, how your love for your daughter does not falter, as it should be. We must always defend our children against the harm of others.
Pamela
Sharp Little Pencil
It’s so true, Pamela. Thanks for reiterating it! Amy
jennirey
Nice and Super Cute..
Linda
I love the warmth of this poem.
Eileen O'Neill
Amy,
A really delightful and caring piece of writing. The words are those of a really loving mother!
Glad to have located you again Amy.
I’m adding your blog to my list and then I can find you!
Best wishes, Eileen
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Eileen! Yes, Riley is totally worm-eating-worthy!! I’ll pop over to your blog as well. Missed you! Amy
Paul Andrew Russell
A beautiful poem, Amy. A mother’s love is a wonderful thing to behold. If mothers ran the world, war would end; truly.
Sharp Little Pencil
See, women say that all the time. You are one secure, cool man!! Thanks for the compliment on my poem, Paul. Peace, Amy
Kim Nelson
Amy~
I share your sentiments. I am a lioness when it comes to my three kids. They are my pride. Blessed be!
Sharp Little Pencil
I had a feeling you were my kind of mom!
christine
Not having a Mom anymore, but being one, touches my heart when I read this. I hope that I am that Mom that you write about.
Sharp Little Pencil
You will be, Christine, trust me.
Madeleine Begun Kane
Lovely, and no doubt true!
Sharp Little Pencil
Bet yer bottom dollar! 😉
Mr. Walker
Amy, I just posted my “I’m willing to eat…” poem, inspired by yours. Please check it out. And I noticed you haven’t linked your poem yet at We Write Poems (not that plenty of people haven’t come by already to read your poem).
Richard