In the teaching of Concrete Poems today, the students had to make a list of just about every concrete noun they could think of that might be in the running for creating a concrete poem where words and visuals intertwine together to create a beautiful whimsical encounter. The list students came up with contained every image in the word one may or may not automatically find beauty within such as a clock or origami. One particular student decided to create a poem entitled "origami." Her words beautifully formed the folds and shapes of origami paper. Though simplistic concrete poems are, the purpose is to seek whimsy no matter how commonplace the object may seem. This student wrote: 

"Fold and flip, paper people, paper boats fold and flip paper pencils, paper flowers, watch creations grow and glow, creativity on the horizon, Fold and flip." 

Speaking of beauty in paper objects, later on today I had the pleasure of receiving a whimsical paper rainbow...

This fine Monday afternoon was another workshop in the series of our student talks. And today's workshop was just a quick reminder of how quickly and simply children see beauty and whimsy in just about everything they do. As I was getting ready to start announcements and passing out snack for the day, I saw two feet beneath this giant poster with the largest rainbow I had ever seen (hand-crafted) on the front. I had to smile because last week I had asked this student if she would not mind drawing a rainbow so that I could photograph it and place it behind her during her presentation. 

Well this student took her rainbow creation very seriously and brought in the biggest paper rainbow I had ever seen. Very proud of her whimsy, she held it the whole time, making sure that whimsy could not escape out of the room and out the door. She knew this rainbow was important. For her it signified her own artistic efforts, but also the catalyst for a poem that speaks so deeply about love in this world. 

You don't have to create a concrete poem to find whimsy in your life. Though, it is a superb exercise to get your words and pictures crafted in the heart of whimsy. Paper people, paper food, paper memories, paper friends, all contain whimsy and multiplying love. Fold and flip your life. You might just find this encounter of love.