In my school email inbox, I get a weekly poetry lesson from Poets.org. called Teach this Poem. I don’t do these every week because the intended audience is middle and high school, and my students are elementary. But this week the author’s bio drew my attention. Jericho Brown is from Shreveport, Louisiana, a native to our state.
In the lesson, students were to identify a picture from the Library of Congress of the March on Washington. Enough of my students know about MLK, Jr. that they understood what they were seeing. Relating the poem to the march was a stretch for them, however.
Nevertheless, we wrote after Jericho Brown.
The water is one thing, and one thing for miles.
The water is one thing, making this bridge
Built over the water another. Walk it
Early, walk it back when the day goes dim, everyone
Rising just to find a way toward rest again.Read the rest here.
Jericho Brown, Poets.org
My poem became one of address to Jericho Brown.
We have crossed the line,
Margaret Simon, draft 2020
that imaginary space between
you and me, a wall covered in vines.
Tearing at the weeds, I find a flower–
morning glory. Help us, Jericho, to see
the flower in the weeds, the flame
inside a rainbow, crossing over
barriers to a place
where we can all leap together.
Reflections on the Teche 
I sure do love me some Louisiana poets! Thanks for sharing both poems today, Margaret. “Together” is the only way to re-make this world… xo
Wow, Margaret your poem is beautiful! Your imagery is so strong. I see this poem. I especially love your lines, ‘flower in the weeds’ & ‘flame in the rainbow’! I like the alliteration in those lines, too. Your last line is a powerful ending that I agree with and love how it refers back to a wall covered in vines’. You should get this poem published.
“to a place where we can all leap together” is a wish I hope all would have, Margaret. I was struck also by this from Jericho’s poem: “m not crossing
To cross back.” It sounds like a thoughtful experience with your students.
Thank you for sharing both of these. Your poem is beautiful, and gives a hopeful vision. I hope we can make it there.
“The flame inside a rainbow.” Wow!
A beautiful response to Jericho. Her lines and your response are lines to linger in and say again.
These are wonderful poems. Thank you for sharing them and the “Teach this poem” link. I’ll have to check it out!
When I come back in another life, I want your job. Just sayin’.
Your poem to Jericho is so poignant and beautiful, Margaret.
Margaret, I read Jericho’s poem several times and then went off to listen to the video with MLK’s granddaughter. It is funny how one act leads to another until they both settle into the mind. Your poem is a fitting ending to my night with the thoughts: crossing over
barriers to a place
where we can all leap together.
We need to all take that leap for hope to be resurrected in discontent times.
Good stretch for your students–and strong response to Jericho Brown’s poem–yes, let’s leap!
Oh, how I love both “Crossing” and your response! Yes, together–may we see that day!
Bravo for talking about this poem with your young students. The little ones’ insights can surprise us at times. I also appreciate and leap for joy at newly built bridges.