What is the greatest gift a poetry teacher can ever hope for? A student who keeps writing poetry, even though you are no longer teaching her. You may remember my student Chloe. She’s now in 7th grade and attending another school, but last week she sent me a poem. She told me that she was in Thibodeaux, LA for a gymnastics meet. Her father went to college in the town and showed her the route to where he had lived. He asked her to write a poem about it. And what father do you know encourages the poet-daughter? I was charmed, of course, and asked if I could post her poem here. Please leave encouraging comments for Chloe.
Thibodeaux Turns
Extravagant land that turns your world
The world that grew with you
That rested with you
That prayed with you
Never felt alone with this land
These bodies of water mark journeys in our lives
And heart
And minds
Traveling tree roots that build our homes and house animals that feed us
This air that circulates our bodies and arms and legs
Blowing away our doubts and fears
Bringing us to our pot of gold at the end of our Louisiana adventures
Our sugar cane grounds desperately reaching for the water we provide
Thibodeaux turns turn our history
Our signs
Our lives
Chloe Willis, 7th grade
Reflections on the Teche 
Chloe, that is a beautiful poem. It’s been many years since I visited that part of Louisiana, but your poem brings it all back. Thank you.
Wonderful poem, Chloe. I admire the way you carried “turns” through the poem. I remember reading previous poems of yours, and I hope there will be more.
Margaret, how wonderful that Chloe is still writing and that you are in touch with one another! Chloe, you had me at the first line. O “extravagant land”…Gorgeous!
It couldn’t be more loving, Chloe, than to write for your father, a poem of memory, that special time “Bringing us to our pot of gold at the end of our Louisiana adventures.” Thanks for letting Margaret share with us.
Chloe, your imagery, which is driven by the wonderful verbs you choose, pulls me into the scene and to the emotions immediately—I am particularly and wonderfully susceptible to the feel of “turns” and its connection to your second line, “the world that grew with you”…and then we travel with the unfolding world you share. Just beautiful, Chloe.
Chloe, what a beautiful ode to this place. I’m so glad you’re still writing poems! Margaret, what a joy and a tribute to your encouragement :>)
My goodness…first, this wonderful kid is in 7th grade? Wow. Love your use of the word “turn.” It makes me add that word to my journal as a possible future one-little-word. “rested with you/prayed with you” resonates with me. Thank you for letting Mrs. Simon share this today.
Chloe, your poem shows me a place that I’ve never been and shows how it intertwines not just with one life but through generations.
Chloe, What a lovely poem that tells me about where you’ve visited and the area in which you live. The lines
These bodies of water mark journeys in our lives
And heart
And minds
are so true, and relatable for all. Thank you for allowing Ms. Simon to share with us. You gave her (and us) a gift by continuing to write poetry and share your creations. Thank you!
Chloe, it makes my heart so happy that you are still writing poetry. Lucky you to have a dad who requests poems. Lucky dad to have a poet for a daughter!
What a gift, indeed, Margaret! Chloe has a beautiful way with words. I can tell she is a good listener. I’m imagining the questions and conversations between Chloe and her father that inspired this poem.
Chloe, you were a remarkable poet when in Mrs. Simon’s class and now I think you have matured into owing your language and making it work for you. The word turn reminds me that we take turns in life that lead us onward as you have done. Continue writing and sharing your boundless wonder.
The traveling tree roots jumped out at me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem, Chloe!