by Mike Sherry The ant or the ibis knows its purpose. From insect to animal, most creatures spend all their days being true to themselvesOnly we humans hide our true nature (from others, and even from ourselves).So I apprentice myself to…
tbawproject
We are an affiliate with the National Writing Project and a partner with the University of South Florida.
Please address correspondence to co-directors, Dr. Michael B. Sherry, mbsherry@usf.edu, and Mari Aviles, aviles2375@gmail.com
Thrownness
by Lisa Inserrainspired by Mari Aviles's mini-lesson I'm from blood on the doorstep and Thais the Mafia girlI'm from being called "dego" by micks.I'm from the first son and the second daughterI'm from bowling alleys to booksI'm from syringes, and…
The Second Year It Creeps
by Samantha Beattyinspired by Patricia Tuzzolino’s demo-lesson (and Chris Van Allsburg's Mysteries of Harris Burdick) Late one night, Clarissa got changed into her pajamas choosing a tank top as the summer heat was quite suffocating. She snuggled into her twin…
Real Success
by Mari Aviles inspired by TBAWP 2020’s freewrite Success is achieving a goal you set, whether short or long term. Success is doing the thing you set your mind to even when it’s hard. Success comes with the whisper in your…
COVID Teaches Me
by Mike Sherryinspired by the Goat Rodeo Allstars COVID teaches me that I can grow passionfruit on my patioThat bluebirds will nest more than once if you give them a boxAnd that fresh-picked blueberries are even more deliciousWhen wrested from…
Dualisms
by Gabriela Salazar inspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson Blue is a Gemini Serenity and sadness Calm and chaotic Like the ocean, It’s paradise floating in crystal waters Then dark blue walls in a fearsome stormCyan, turquoise, baby blue, cerulean, sapphire, and navy Shades for every dispositionElectric blue…
Peonies in Brown Paper
by Mieke Valkinspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson It is time for the peonies in brown paper to appear. Each spring, the tight cotton balls of petals begin arriving, ready to slowly reveal their fresh faces to the world. Their petals stir and stretch,…
Keep Thinking About It
by Lisa Inserrainspired by Kara Funcheon's mini-lesson
The Color of Pink
by Katharine Werthwineinspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson Pink is made of jellybeans and strawberry ice creamOf sugar and spice, and everything niceOf jam-stains on aprons and sticky popsicles sticks Caught in the warm summer breezeOf steady hands with…
Midsummer Day Dreams
by Mieke Valkinspired by the Goat Rodeo Allstars TRAPPED. Safe, but TRAPPED. Safe, in the house, at work, away from people, but still TRAPPED. So I Midsummer Day dream from safety, aching to go, but knowing I must stay. It’s…
