Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for March Slice of Life Challenge.
Here I am again at this blank page. I click to “add media,” setting the stage for yet another poem.
I find myself looking all day long for inspiration. Will it come in the opening of a flower? The words of a child? Advice from a friend? The pages of a book?
I look and look.
Sometimes I open this page afraid that nothing will happen.
But something always does. Because when you show up to the page, magic happens.
A video posted by “Access Oneness” and shared by two Facebook friends intrigued me. The inscription read, “So, you lose balance and you fall … but, what do you do next? Stop? Or go on? Make art out of falling …”
Go to this link to view the video.
I was caught off-guard, unbalanced, not knowing what to feel except inspired, exhilarated.
The words flowed.
In the purple forest
one can climb
stand
slip
fall
rise again
All in the moment
of stillness
above the water
A choice
to fall
and fail,
or balance
and dance–
A chance
to fly.–Margaret Simon
Reflections on the Teche 
Beautiful poem! I’ve been reading A Mindset for Learning by Kristi Mraz and Christine Hertz and I think this would be the perfect poem to share with the constellation of stances- especially with resilience,optimism, and persistence. My son has been having difficulties with getting things “wrong” and not being able to come back from that. If he can’t do something perfectly, he doesn’t want to do it and becomes so down on himself, all while puffing up, saying “I don’t care.” I want him to learn this- that falling and failing is how we learn and grow and it doesn’t mean that you will always fail and fall. Thank you for this poem!
Perfectionism is a struggle I see often in gifted kids. I wish I had an easy solution for you. I think if he can find safe places to fail he will learn that it’s ok. I’m sure you are providing that safety.
Beautiful poem. I especially love this sentence in your slice today, “Because when you show up to the page, magic happens.” A good one to remember.
I agree with Lisa. Your push to write is a beautiful thing to watch. The poetry seems to get better and better.
“When you show up to the page, magic happens” I love that line. The poem is beautiful, evocative of choice we make in our lives. Thanks for posting it.
I saw that video, and it is wonderful. I’m happy it helped you write such marvelous words, Margaret. Your poem should be printed and put by your side–future inspiration!
This poem took my breath you away, Margaret – the words flowed so beautifully from that one inspiring source.
Thanks for sharing…I loved the action and the idea of choice.
I love the line too about the magic happening. Magic is always here when I visit your blog. I’ve been missing the magic lately…maybe I need to just show up! Thanks for the lovely thoughts today.
Magic takes patience. And you have to give yourself permission to fail.
I like choosing to balance and dance! Lovely poem. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful poem. Perfect for me today as I have been there. For me, it’s the need of time to think and school is too crazy to think. Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful poem! Love that last line – “a chance to fly.” It makes me think of our progressive poem. And something tells me that I need to show up to the page more often. Thanks for the reminder.