I have fond memories of my maternal grandmother. She was kind to me and loved nature and gardening. I knew she wrote poetry; she shared it with me often, her beautiful handwriting on pretty pastel paper. I’ve always attributed my love of poetry to her, but it hit home when she passed away, and we found a rejection letter tucked inside her treasure box of poetry!
The letter was dated 1968. I was just five years old at the time. Who knew I’d grow up to write, become published, and, yes, receive many rejection letters? Just like grandma 🙂
I wrote this haiku in honor of my grandmother. May she continue to rest in peace, knowing that her words touched the lives of so many.
grandmother's gift
a love of poetry
and birdsong
©Danna Smith at poetrypop.com
rejection Trivia Tidbit
Did you know that E. E. Cummings dedicated his self-published volume of poetry, No Thanks, to the fourteen publishers who had turned it down? True story!
As a writer of children’s books and poetry, I’ve received over 350 rejection letters in the past 25 years, so I can feel his pain. However, I love E.E. Cummings’ attitude and humor toward rejection. It’s something all writers for publication live with, but we must keep our spirits up and keep trying!
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Aww, what a sweet connection! I love that you both have the desire and inspiration to write! Beautiful!
Thank you 🙂
My third time reading. This is just something really really good about this one. Everytime I see that letter. I feel like my heartbreaks. So glad both of you never let anyone or anything stop you from writing.
Aw, thank you. I wish my grandmother were still alive, we’d have much to talk about. I like to think she is in heaven celebrating with me.