Sail A Poem And A Child Out To Sea (a bluebonnet poem)
Sail a poem
and a child
out to sea.
Launch them
with lifeboats
of laughter.
Free them
with anchors
of compassion
and cravings
for goodness
in all things.
Fill their sails with hugs.
Marvel in their
masts, catching
the sun, just so.
Surrender to the violins
of their creaking decks
and snapping rigging,
as the horizon grows
and the wind
is skipping rope
in your salty hair.
Away, always away.
Sail a poem
and a child
out to sea.
Sail them
well and
true.
Let them dip
and dive on the
farthest swells,
to sail home
smiling and safe,
with armfulls of
bluebonnets
and heartfulls of
adventures to tell.
I wrote that poem in honor of Jingle’s THIRTEENTH Thursday Poetry Rally!!!
Lately I have been gifted with the following poetry awards from Jingle and Shakira… Thanks, Ladies!
And I would like to pass the awards on to the list of THIRTEEN random awesome poets below, who can choose either or both awards. Some of these multi-talented bloggers also publish other creative fare – so get all their goodness at their one-stop shopping locales!
The following recipients may fling these awards with joy to the moon, or wherever!
I look forward to meeting more poets and reading great poems over this weekend!! And maybe even to linking up new poets in future posts, if I do the Thursday Poetry Rally again. Thank you.
About the three bluebonnet photos above… I got lucky with the iPhone again. Actually, just point your iPhone at something nice, make sure strong light is coming over your shoulder onto the subject, stay as still as possible — and you’re pretty much there with the photo. Oh – be sure to tap the little button too! 
Kelly dyed those eggs all by herself!
Your Ever-Loving Jannie
xoxo
On 7 April 2010 at 11:19 pm
Ching Ya said,
Oh my I just love the beautiful scenery — what do you call those lovely flowers? violet? Where is this? You know someday I’m going to visit your hometown. Full with wonderful nature and spring-filled. *hugs*
Kelly is just lovely!
@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker
On 8 April 2010 at 1:19 am
SnaggleTooth said,
awww I missed being first….
But thanks for the excellent verclemptitude poem n the awards too!
I really like the way you connect the child with a sailing ship-
It does feel that way when they leave at college-age time- trusting they know how to sail into the world-
Of course your pics are wonderful too- Great modeling job Kelly! Nice eggs
On 8 April 2010 at 2:05 am
Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. congratulations on the awards .. and your poem is so simple, so well said .. wonderful words flowing through.
I love the pictures .. they look just great – the iphone does wonders.
Say hi to Kelly – and her eggs look so picturesque, and she looks a picture of delight in the meadow ..
Blue Bunny hasn’t got in there too .. he’d blend in well .. enjoy the rest of the week .. hugs xxooxxoo
On 8 April 2010 at 3:11 am
Jingle said,
best poem,
love it,
you rock!
On 8 April 2010 at 3:19 am
Thursday Poets Rally Week 12+1 (April 8-14, 2010) « Jingle said,
[...] http://www.janniefunster.com/2010/04/07/sail-a-poem-and-a-child-out-to-sea-a-poem/ [...]
On 8 April 2010 at 3:55 am
The Celebrate Poet Of March Award (Announcement for Nominations) « Jingle said,
[...] http://www.janniefunster.com/2010/04/07/sail-a-poem-and-a-child-out-to-sea-a-poem/ [...]
On 8 April 2010 at 6:16 am
Ana Goncalves said,
Jannie,
Very powerful poem and very powerful photographs of Kelly.
The whole ties in really well with the richness of the words and it’s meaning, in linkage with Kelly’s own way of being. Love it!!
Thank you so much for the awards. I really appreciate it.
You are very kind and I appreciate you visiting and leaving your most beautiful thoughts on my blog.
Happy Week
On 8 April 2010 at 7:02 am
Daisy said,
I enjoyed your poem, Jannie. Lovely photos too. I’ve never seen bluebonnets before, so I really liked getting to see them. They are quite amazing!
On 8 April 2010 at 7:07 am
Fireblossom32 said,
Jannie, you’ve discovered that there is nothing I wouldn’t do if I could do it with Talon and Mama Zen!
*turns red*
Um, anyway, THANK YOU for the award! Expect it to appear shortly at Word Garden. Also, I have not forgotten your other promised poem. It has been cooking in my head for days but is not ready yet.
xox
FB
On 8 April 2010 at 7:27 am
ishabelle said,
what a nice poem… so simple, but very tasteful…
and i like the pictures of that every cute girl… *wink*
On 8 April 2010 at 7:58 am
G-Man said,
Jannie Funster…
This was beautiful!
Remember how easy it was to do a 55 a few weeks back?
(hint hint)
On 8 April 2010 at 8:07 am
Glenn Buttkus said,
Gosh, gee whiz, many thanks for including me on your short list of budding poets. I love being #8 right smack between Ana & Fireblossom. And your poems soars and sings and celebrates; be proud of it, as you are of your sweetpea, Missy Kelly of the Easter dress and bright eggs. On my honeymoon while in TX, driving north to San Antonio on April 4, 1993, the hills were alive with wild flowers, mostly bluebonnets. I will never forget that riot of blossom, that postcard after calendar after breathtaking image–ever. And now we have Kelly perfectly posed, perfectly natural, just being herself with her Mom capturing that childhood moment by moment, and sharing a lot with the Funsters. Thank you so much for the award and just for being the Jannie of our dreams.
On 8 April 2010 at 8:27 am
Mama Zen said,
Jannie that is absolutely lovely!
Thank you for the award. What great company you’ve put me in!
On 8 April 2010 at 9:14 am
Dot said,
Beautiful! And so is Kelly! She’s growing up.
On 8 April 2010 at 9:22 am
Jannie said,
…
Ching Ya!! Those are our State flower — bluebonnets — now partying along every highway and byway. Billions of them!! Thank you, yes my little angel girl is growing up.
Snag!! But you snagged second postition!!
Thank you, thank you! And I see you have sailed your ships well and true!!
Hilary!!! Thanks on all. I’m not quite sure if the poem in 100% done, what to leave in, what to leave out — there’s the rub!! BB was asleep in the car when I took those!!
Jingle!! Jingle!!!! Jingle!!!!!! YOU rock.
Thanks for hosting this, and for all the hard sweet work you do putting these awards and the weekly rally together. YOU are AWESOME!!!!!
Ana! Oh, thanks so much. YOUR poetry, artwork, blog and spirit are so beautifully powerful too, and a gift to us all. I hope many pals will check out your wonderfulness in Expressive World. happy day too!!!
Daisy!!! Thanks so much! Yes, and this was just a “little” patch of bluebonnets along one road.
Really — a small patch compared to the great fields of them. have you seen lupines? Bluebonnets are a small but prolific cousin!
Fireblossom!! I am glad you are letting your Billy Collins poem weave itself, as it will. I am not entirely sure THIS poem of mine here is 100% cooked yet.
*turns pink with happy ticklement*
Ishabelle!! Hello again, you are so sweet to come back here, when I still “owe” your blog a visit
Thanks for such kind sweet words. tasteful — oooo — I like that!! Tasteful Jannie, at your blogging service. 
G-Man!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I LOVED doing the 55 (even if I can’t drive it)
As I recall, I didn’t allow myself the full 55 benefit that time, as right after I posted it I headed to the woods camping for the whole weekend. Next time I’ll be able to get over and read all the other 55 posting peeps’ prolific passionate ponderings!!! 
Glenn!! Ahh, the Jannie of your dreams — I’ll try to stay out of the nightmare realm!!
As I mentioned above to others, I’m not 100% sure this poem is finished, may tweak it a bit more to add every more poetic nuances. You know how that goes with poems!!! 
Thanks for your beautiful sentiments.
Mama Zen!! YOU are so perfectly, entirely unanimously welcome and utterly totally completely deserving of the company of such fine poets — you being such a kick-ass butterfly wings and steel-armored poetess kind yourself!!
Dot!! She does look like… 13? in this. Scary! Put her back in sweats and her sharpie-stained tees, please!!
Thanks, Dot. A lot, Dot. Your comments always hit the spot, Dot! 
On 8 April 2010 at 9:45 am
Lynn said,
I like that “goodness in all things.” Beautiful poem, Jannie. And beautiful girl in the picture. I have never seen bluebonnets before. Lovely.
On 8 April 2010 at 10:32 am
Jingle said,
Hello,
as part of the participation requirement, please visit 6 participants who are new to you, 6 fresh poets, this is how you get more feedback…
let me know after you are done!
beautiful job!
xo
On 8 April 2010 at 11:03 am
Jaymie said,
Just beautiful! I wish we could just hold our children forever.
I know, better to let them sail.
On 8 April 2010 at 11:52 am
Davina said,
Hi Jannie. This was so beautifully written! Gentle. Like sailing too. And those pictures are almost romantic; what a beautiful little girl… er… young lady.
And so funny because I was chatting with a friend of mine yesterday and he used the sailing metaphor. And… I shared that very line from Christopher Cross’s song that you have written just above the comment box.
On 8 April 2010 at 12:39 pm
Talon said,
Kelly is growing up! What beautiful photos, Jannie! The bluebonnets are a fabulous backdrop.
Thank you so much for the award. I am truly honored. xx
I love the idea of a child and a poem sailing together…like the poem is a parent’s wish for wondrous journeys and safe harbors.
On 8 April 2010 at 12:58 pm
Liara Covert said,
We each sail away every moment to destinations unknown. This is the excitement of existence. Funny thing is, as you discern the role of mirroring in everything, you can begin to see yourself as the Easter bunny, the flowers, the eggs, the basket and everything else in your scope of awareness and beyond. The poem is lovely. We can all imagine you setting this to memorable music.
On 8 April 2010 at 1:56 pm
Joy said,
I’m honored that talented you chose me.
On 8 April 2010 at 2:35 pm
Jannie said,
…
Lynn!! Well… I know this place where Good Things always Happen, an inspiring place I try to learn from and carry with me as I walk and sail around this life of mine.
You familiar with any places like that??
Jingle!! Awesome, yes. Super plan — as soon as I post this comment I’ll be over to check out some new poets — whoo=hoo!! But I won’t have too much time, as I have to pick Kelly up in 25 minutes from now. But tonight I shall turn again to the joys of computer!!
Jaymie!! You speak to my heart of mothering hearts But, there is a plan unfolding, that has unfolded for milennia before I came on the scene and will keep unfolding long after I’m dust in the wind, one I can only drift along and surrender to.
Davina!! Yes, how a turn of a head or an arm can create a photo unlike any that the camera may have captured. The middle one to me looks most classic — maybe her one True Love will paint it one day. You never know. I love that Chris Cross song — talk about classic!! BB sings it often.
Talon!! The funny thing is she went from one minute — literally — from sporty shorts and tee, with chocolate on her face, to the young lady we see in these pics. I still can’t believe it! Bring back my Little Kelly!!!!
Oh, you are very welcome and deserving of the awards!!!
Liara!! Oh my goodness — a couple of hours ago, I started singing a version of this!!!! A new melody came. Now, it THAT sychronicity, or what!?!??? A whole new song. I think I’ll record a video a capella and post it. Always a great joy to see you here!! Lovely words, as usual. And here’s smile for you.
Joy!! YOU are the professional poet, and a top notch one, at that. I am the honored one in awarding YOU,my lady.
Off I go to Jingle’s for a few minutes. Then to get the child and buy some shrubs. And maybe wallpaper,if we are in the mood.
xoxo
On 8 April 2010 at 2:36 pm
william said,
EXCELLENT POEM, LOVELY PICS
On 8 April 2010 at 2:39 pm
brian miller said,
beautiful…each child should be cared or as a treasure…
On 8 April 2010 at 3:38 pm
piemon said,
Hi. Nice blog.
On 8 April 2010 at 3:39 pm
vered | professional blogger said,
Beautiful poem, beautiful photos!
On 8 April 2010 at 4:46 pm
marieiris said,
Beautiful! As a girl raised in Texas, the Bluebonnets made me miss home. I loved your poem. keep writing!
On 8 April 2010 at 5:58 pm
Luisa Doraz said,
I want to thank you for bringing a big smile to my face. I just got home from running errands, and I just loved your post!
On 8 April 2010 at 6:50 pm
Caity said,
Beautiful photos and a lovely poem! Lovely eggs, too! You did an awesome job dying them, Kelly!
On 8 April 2010 at 8:27 pm
Alice Audrey said,
Such a sweet poem. If only I could send them off without worrying.
On 8 April 2010 at 8:39 pm
Ji said,
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/it-is-all-about-you-the-jingle-limerick-award-and-more/
awards,
how cool you are.
xo
On 8 April 2010 at 8:57 pm
Sire said,
Nicely done Jannie, and whilst it could be poetic license, wouldn’t it be better to say Fill their sails with hugs rather than fills? Just a thought.
Still a great poem and a beautiful daughter that outshines the bluebonnets.
On 8 April 2010 at 10:48 pm
Barbara Swafford said,
Hi Jannie,
Have you thought of writing verses for Hallmark cards. This is absolutely beautiful, as are the photos of Kelly.
It’s a winning combination.
Congratulations on your award, too.
On 8 April 2010 at 11:41 pm
starla said,
Beautiful!!! Great photos wonderful writing.
On 9 April 2010 at 1:23 am
vikum said,
Hey Jannie,
My congrats for the award ! A lovely simple song. And I really love those two pics. Is that somewhere in your garden? Its more like somewhere in heaven( with a little angel).
Have a nice day ! Tc.
On 9 April 2010 at 6:54 am
Jannie said,
Thanks everybody for the new comments . I have a ” thing ” to do this morning, so I’ll see you all later today.
xoxo
On 9 April 2010 at 7:26 am
Lynn said,
Yes and you are welcome any time.
On 9 April 2010 at 7:50 am
Lisa said,
Love the poem, Jannie! And those are such great pictures… you have quite the photogenic daughter — she’s so cute! And I am loving all these bluebonnets right now — I guess all that winter rain was worth it!
On 9 April 2010 at 11:16 am
Suzicate said,
Absolutely beautiful. And the pics of your precious little girl are lovely.
On 9 April 2010 at 12:34 pm
Lance said,
Jannie,
Wonderful photos and sweet, sweet words…
And lovely Easter eggs!!!
Reason #5/951: the poet in her…
On 9 April 2010 at 12:37 pm
Chris Edgar said,
Was she hunting for eggs amidst the bluebonnets? That would be an epic egg hunt indeed. By the way, Blue Bunny, thanks for the clarification of those lyrics — I heard that song a lot as a kid, and I thought it said “sailing, takes me a-whaling,” and perhaps it was meant to be from the perspective of a grizzled whale-hunting mariner. But it seems that childhood illusion is shattered.
On 9 April 2010 at 2:22 pm
Jannie said,
…
William!! Well, thanks so much a big lot!! I am enjoying your blog and poetry too — thanks to our sweet party hostess, Jingle.
Brian!! I wish I had a few more kids to treasure, but I guess I’ll have to wait for thegrand-kids, and since Kelly says she and her husband are going to live with Jim and me — I’ll be able to treasure them all every day, all day long.
Piemon!! Do you like pie??? I LOVE pie!!! Are you from Jamaica?? I’ve never been, but have been to 12 other Caribbean isles. Who ARE you, anyway???
Vered!! Thank you, thank you!!
Marie Iris!! What a beautiful name!! Where you from in Texas? How long did you live there? Where do you live now?? And WELCOME to Funsterland, a thrill to have you here!
Luisa!! Ahhh, another new visitor wtih a very pretty name. I am so glad you poppin in, and enjoyed my post with your smiling eyes, and heart. Poetry ROCKS!!!!!
Caity!! Aren’t her eggs gorgeous. Amazing that a 19-year-old bottle of vinegar still can do its trick. Shw was sad over her favorite egg — the mottled purple one. She droopped it just after she did it. But she’s survived!!
Alice!! WELCOME!! Therein lies the conundrum of parenting — we raise them to be independent and happy, yet ache that they have to go out in the big big world. Seeing her looking all grown-up in that dress made my heart ache. I did actually cry writing this poem!
Jingle!! Oh, thanks! And I did get over to maybe about 20 new blogs of wonderful rally poets!! Thaks again so much for hosting this and all the AMAZING work you put into this.
SIRE!! Thanks so much, I totally did not see that typo. Appreciate the correction! Ahhhh, what a sweet thing to say that she outshines the bluebonnets. Thank you.
Barbara!! No – I have never thought of writing for Hallmark cards. But if I ever find myself with out enough onmy plate — I may jsut look into that. Thaks so much on all your lovely words — I do appreciate them. And sweet you!
Starla!! Another mystery commenter.
Who ARE you!?!? Do you live here in Austin? I know a Starla here. Please come back — and leave your website link, if you have one!!
Vikum!! Hi again!! Yes, a song indeed. As I menioned to Liara, I started singing bits of it yesterday. No, that spot is not on our property — it’s along one of the local roads — under a big water tower, believe it or not!!
Ahhhhh, yes, such sweet sweet words — heaven, thank you!!
Jannie!!! Whoo-hoo.
Lynn!! And I have not been to your beloved site today yet, boo hoo. Miss you. And I hate being late to your party.
But I’ll be over before I lay my tender locks upon my sateen pillow slip tonight!! 
Lisa!! I snapped about 20 pix, and over half are jsut lovely!! Soem maybe to post 20 or 40 easters from now! YAH!! What an AMAZING bluebonnet year — I think the best I’ve seen in all my 20 years here. Holy cow!! TWENTY years. Yep, this July it will be.
Suzicate!! And you are absolutely beautiful too, inside and out!!! Thanks again for popping by here!!!
Lance!! Did Easter Bunny find YOU? Did Blue Bunny find you?? Oh yes, the latter did in an interview here one day, as I recall!! He visisted you too, didn’t he when Sven had you in deep deep traiing??
Chris!! Nope, not hunting for eggs, just posing for Mama.
a-whaling, you silly!! Well, we all have those little lyric thigns from childhood — I always thought “Band On The Run” was “Sand On The Rug.” SERIOUSLY!!! 
And with that…. off I go!!! To the — you got it…..
THE BATH TUB!!!!!
xoxoxoxoox
On 9 April 2010 at 5:56 pm
joaquin said,
i love this poem. and not just because i’m totally honored to be awarded / mentioned above. i really love this poem. and the photos are absolutely beautiful.
i’ll get that award up this week. and i’m going to check out the thursday poetry rally (thursday? poetry? what is that about?)soon too, as well as the other poets above.
you’re beyond awesome, jannie.
On 10 April 2010 at 7:01 am
sheila said,
great poem, GORGEOUS pics!!
btw, LOVE your basket weave header!
On 10 April 2010 at 3:11 pm
Jannie said,
…
Joaquin!! It is I who is honored and lucky to know YOU and your poetry — anyone who reads it will be swept away. You post that award whenever you are ready — no worries or rush on any of this. The Thursday rally is Jingle’s brain child — she is more than so awesome to host it!!
Sheila!! And I love my new basket header with this particular post ’cause The Pea has her basket. Yes, I have downloaded a trial of Paintshop Pro X3, and am having a BALL trying it out. My goal is a new header every month — but always including my big eye, to keep it challenging, and to see how creative I can get!!
xoxoxoxoxoox
On 10 April 2010 at 5:27 pm
Lance said,
Jannie,
Blue Bunny…yes, in that interview!! The Easter Bunny? He did too! And he shared a most wonderful joke (hmmm…will she laugh????)
Q: How did the egg cross the road?
A: He scrambled!!!
(it gets me every time!!!!)
I sent that joke to Sven, too. Now I may have to go into hiding (apparently…his sense of humor is a bit off kilter…but then so was he…) (don’t tell him I said that!!!!!)
On 10 April 2010 at 10:10 pm
Kiera O'Brien said,
This is adorable! The words and the photos work wonders.
I’ve selected you as my nominee for Jingle’s Perfect Poet Award. You deserve it!
On 10 April 2010 at 10:17 pm
Anne Bender said,
I love your pictures and your words, then there are your songs… la la la LAAAAA, {cough} guess I need to work on MY singing. Oh, oh, time to get some springtime images of ye olde farmland. And Kelly is surely the pretty blossom of all, ya know.
On 11 April 2010 at 7:47 am
Jannie said,
…
Beautiful Peeps!!
Lance!! And I have a bit of a joke for you today — I wrote it myself. ahem…. here goes… “Why does Lance write about starfish on his blog?” “Because he is so e-FISHent.” groooooooan.
Kiera!! Hi and welcome!! Firstly, I LOVE your gravatar!!!! Very eye-catching and full of love. Did you design it yourself?? Secondly — you nominated ME? ME???? Li’l ‘Ol MOI???
Thanks, you are so sweet!
Anne!! Springtime pictures of Ye Olde Farmland would be a heavenly bucolic treat for my eyes and heart. Do it, baby! Do it, and shine. I am a bit of a visual greedy one
xoxoxo
On 11 April 2010 at 9:24 am
Kiera O'Brien said,
Yes, I did design it myself. The components are clip art (I have the drawing skills of a kindergartener) but I put them together. Thanks for noticing it.
Of course you
You’re my favorite this week. The nomination will appear in my Rally post, which I usually try to get out the day before (Wed).
On 11 April 2010 at 2:02 pm
Thomma Lyn said,
What a lovely, radiant poem — filled with love and caring and hope and joy. And Kelly is precious. What a wonderful smile. You always brighten my day.
xoxoxo
On 11 April 2010 at 9:18 pm
Jannie said,
…
Kiera!! It is a lovely gravatar, very eye-catching. Ahhh, clip art, I’m all about that — I can cut things, paste them and such, but I have not developed any drawing skills.
Again, thank you so much for thinking enough of my poem to nominate me for a lovely honor.
Thomma Lyn!! Well, guess what, Sugar?? YOU always brighten MY day. ALWAYS. With your smiling gravatar, and personage. Your spirit radiates all good things. I’ll never get enough of you, you know??!! :0
xoxoxo
On 12 April 2010 at 12:51 am
J.D. Meier said,
Those are great pics. The flowers look unreal … almost like something from Dr. Seuss.
Your poem exposes your amazing insight and your gift … for wrapping up smartness in cleverly fun and interesting packages.
On 12 April 2010 at 5:50 am
dustus said,
What a great poem and pics!
On 12 April 2010 at 10:27 pm
Viola said,
Jannie your blog rocks. I want you to know I went on the poem pages and read but couldn’t leave comments. The poems were nicely penned and a couple of them put smiles on my face. Kelly is cool, she and my grandkids would get along great.
On 13 April 2010 at 9:54 am
Jannie said,
…
Hi Wonderful J.D.! Dr. Seuss flowers,lol. I never thought about them that way – but you’re right! Oooo, and I love your compliments on my poem, and insight and such — I am not above glowing from compliments — at all!
Hi Wonderful Dustus! Why, thank you kind sir. This was one of my favorite posts. Wish it could sit up top forever, but the blog must go on!
Dear Wonderful Viola! YOU rock. YOU! So sweet of you to read my older poems. And I just reminded my blogging manager, Blue Bunny, to put in a note about me closing comments on older posts, and why. Actually, I think I’ll have him change it to 90 days.
xoxoxo
On 13 April 2010 at 6:00 pm
gypsy said,
beautiful piece, enhanced by your gorgeous photography
On 14 April 2010 at 9:19 am
Thursday Poets Rally Week 14 (April 15-21,2010) « Jingle said,
[...] http://www.janniefunster.com/2010/04/07/sail-a-poem-and-a-child-out-to-sea-a-poem/ (#5, done, ) [...]
On 14 April 2010 at 4:04 pm
Jannie said,
…
Gypsy, who has flown from a magical land — thank you.
Jingle from an equally magic land — thank you!
xoxo
On 16 May 2010 at 9:41 pm
Joy said,
She’s gotten so big and beautiful – she grows along with you.
On 17 May 2010 at 5:43 am
Viola said,
Hi Jannie, you have written a lovely poem here and I like the beauty in the way you brought together the children and sailing. These are beautiful Easter pictures of your daughter. Congratulation on your awards my friend.
On 17 May 2010 at 10:10 am
Jannie said,
…
Joy — how sweet, sweet Joy, She’s getting up there in years yes — that dress makes her look much older than her 8 years, I think. This poem will proably end up as a song, I have a little melody cooking.
Viola, Sweet Vi — hi! Ahh,thanks. I am proud of this little poem.
So happy when a nice one floats up. Thank you so much!!
xoxo