Teaching through a screen is hard. I can’t tell what my students are doing. Their mikes are muted; their personal icon doesn’t move. Trying to have a book discussion was like talking to a mirror. The only good thing about that was I could see my face getting more and more exasperated. Why weren’t they answering me? The questions weren’t that hard.
The book we were discussing was Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome.
To relate to the main character’s discovery of Langston Hughes’ poetry, we watched a video of Langston Hughes reading Weary Blues.
I read aloud Hughes’ “Homesick Blues.” And tried to talk about what makes someone feel homesick. I was talking to myself, or so it seemed. After I gave up, I set the timer for a 5 minute writing time. In the chat, I wrote 5 different lines from Langston Hughes’ blues poems. I admit I didn’t have high expectations.
As always I asked for volunteers to read. Lashawn’s mike turned green and his soft voice said, “I’ll read.”
The silver lining, the golden thread, my poet heart pattered with emotion and joy. Lashawn gave me permission to share his poem.
My Body’s Feeling Wrong
I feel as I need to do better
do better just do better. that’s all I need to do.
But why can’t I do it? is something distracting me?
Am I filled with bad luck?
I get blamed but it’s not me. no explaining can help me.
I tell the truth not a fib at all. but a liar is what I get called.I feel like they are talking about me.
It’s just no use for me.
Change my look to let everyone know.
Just a smile is what everyone else needs. not me though.
I get asked if I’m fine and alright.
No I’m not fine. Because if I was, my body would have looked right.I feel a bit empty just a friend all I need.
I lay down at nighttime. I was bullied by online Meanies.
I watch some anime but nothing can heal me.
At least I didn’t lose my life to sadness. I’ll still be here even If i’m sad.
But hey as I shed a tear. I just made some people laugh.
As more tears come down I smile it out.My body may look wrong but I make other people feel bright. Thanks to my friends for being by my side.
Lashawn, 5th Grade
I’m happy I made all of you smile.
I smiled, with tears, into the mirror.
Reflections on the Teche 
Lashawn, your poem is so powerful, so honest, so brave. Thank you for giving hope to all teachers on the other side of the screen that our words are making it through to your hearts.
Wow, that brought tears to my eyes, too. Thank you for sharing Lashawn’s writing and your feelings about watching your own face while teaching. I can relate so much! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
This is an example of a child sharing his raw emotion in response to your lesson, Margaret. I must commend Lashawn for his bold move in writing such an authentic poem. “At least I didn’t lose my life to sadness. I’ll still be here even If i’m sad.” A bit of optimism amidst the sadness!
Keep writing, Lashawn – you are powerful and courageous. See how you stir all of our emotions even as you make other people “feel bright.” That is a GIFT.
Margaret… how often does the beautiful come out of the blue? Just at the point of despair… this. The hallmark of teaching done right,
Oh Lashawn! I am in another country, miles away from you, and you have moved me with your words. You have made me feel your emotions, have reminded me of the power of telling our truth. Thank you.
And Margaret: I know this is hard, but keep at it. Imagine all the Lashawn’s who haven’t yet turned on their mics. You are working wonders as you share words.
I love poetry because it is often just the right container for all the mixed-up emotions. Lashawn, you are brave to share your writing with your classmates through a screen. It is a sweet gift to share it with us, too.
Margaret — The way you inspire so many is beautiful. I hope you see what a special gift you give.