An Apology Note as Poetry

Before there were Post-Its, there were apology notes left on desks, pillows, and bathroom sinks. Times may change, but humanity's emotions haven't. Instead of writing a penciled or ink-dipped note of apology to express one's remorse, we now shoot off texts and emails.

The late poet, William Carlos Williams, showed us that poetry can be found everywhere — including those awkward, simple, yet eye-opening apology notes.

Here's William Carlos Williams' famous apology poem (This Is Just To Say)

The Big "I'm Sorry"

I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox

and which you were probably saving for breakfast

Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold

I love Williams' subtle sassiness in that last stanza: asking for forgiveness yet simultaneously throwing the delight he experienced in the other person's face. The speaker is both apologizing yet gloating, any remorse eclipsed with utter delight.

As a teacher, I created a model of this poem for my students during the peak of Covid. Here's what my apology poem looked like:

Writing challenge: create your own William Carlos Williams apology poem.
Image design by Sheri Jacobs on Canva

Inspiration for poetry — like any form of creation, can be found in the least expected places. Art is all around, just waiting for us to bring our perceptions to our observations — using all of our senses.

Short and (Very) Sweet

Students tend to love this writing challenge as Williams' poem provides both freedom and a template. The short but powerful 3 stanzas is a catalyst for creativity for all writers.

The Writing Dare

So here's my "dare" to you, the beautiful writing souls on this amazing platform: create a poem using the template of William Carlos William's This is Just to Say, for your own apology poem. And if you use this with your students, please share those as well!

Happy Apology Writing;-)

I challenge Text by Tasha Diana Meresc Jeffrey Kass augmented man Wellness Xplora Jeff the Content Coach Michael Burg, Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier) Susie Pinon The Sober Vegan Yogi Dr T J Jordan Uwem Daniels Hermione Wilds Writes Nicole Dake Indigo Yana Bostongirl Gustavo Gallina Natasha Nichole Lake Nikolaos Skordilis Eva Rtology Sarah Jean 🌈LIFE LESSON M.T. Pariti Denise Larkin Patricia Haddock Morgan Blair Bridget E Webber B. Goodman Argumentative Penguin JD Greyson Helen Hensell Annieb Margie Willis