This Memorial Day we give sincere thanks for the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Around the country, this day of recognition and honor also marks the unofficial start to summer. For many, summer schedules and activities may be different this year in light of the current environment.

It will also be a little different for Periwinkle this summer. Periwinkle Day Camp and Camp Periwinkle are both going virtual, connecting campers with activities and resources to do at home with a Periwinkle flair that keeps community and positivity the center of attention. And, our arts partners through the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are exploring ways to creatively connect with patients from afar through interactive publications and other methods.

This week’s edition of Make It a Splendid Week features artwork and a piece of creative writing highlighting two important values which will carry us through this time; relationship and imagination. Just as Allison explores what a poem can be, we are exploring what Periwinkle camps, arts, and survivor programs can be. And we’re doing that with relationship and connectivity at the heart of our decision making – remembering Jerika’s show of joy and friendship in Little Friends. Join us in remembering the importance of relationship and imagination as we unofficially enter a new season – Make it a Splendid Week!

My Five Senses Summer Poem

A poem can be
shiny diamonds that sparkle like happy crystals
colorful red and blue birds that fly across places
pretty red roses that smell sweet  

A poem can be
humming and singing birds in summer
relaxing songs with animal noises
trees that grow fruits and taste delicious 

A poem can be
lying on the grass and having a picnic in a valley
kids giggling and screaming for fun on the playground
making BBQ that smells like honey 

-Allison, age 10

This entry is a part of our series “Make it a Splendid Week”! Follow along weekly to enjoy excerpts from The Splendid Review, an anthology of poems, short stories and autobiographies written by talented young writers engaged in the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers.