Have you ever had that student? The one who sits in the back of the class, holds herself in tight, rarely, if ever, raises her hand to share a poem with the class. The closet poet.
That’s not me because I believe in writing with my students and sharing my vulnerable poet self so they feel safe sharing theirs. And most of the time, it helps. I’ll share, then the shy ones will look at me with their longing eyes asking “Is it OK?” They know that poetry is a little piece of themselves. It’s bleeding on paper as someone famous said.
I wasn’t going to post for Poetry Friday. Life is just so full of family and busy that I can’t get caught up. But when I read A’s poem, I felt compelled to share it and how she came to write it.
I presented Irene Latham’s poem “Peace” from Dictionary for a Better World. Irene shared it in her newsletter here. This poem came at the perfect time in my lesson planning because we talked about symbolism this week. Irene so effectively used chocolate as a symbol of peace. There were so many wonderful craft moves to notice. Then I set my students loose to write. I invited them to create their own metaphor for peace and to borrow the phrase, “If only”.
A’s words both broke my heart and then healed it. At the age of 10, she expresses her internal life of anxiety and hope in a mature way. And yes, there were tears. I am privileged to be her teacher, her friend.
From the Tide, To the Moon (A letter from a friend to a friend)If only we all
could just look up in the sky
and see that things aren’t that bad.
We aren’t that different.
We’re all human.If only the stars could join us
and show us peace in the world.If the moon could tell the tide
to think for itself.
To flow on its own.And when you tell me
when to make decisions,
me when to make a choice
and what choice I should make,
think about how different we are
from the tide and the moon.You aren’t the moon,
So beautiful that we stare up at it.
I am not the tide,
That flows without ecstasy.Not a moment of freedom.
Adelyn, 5th grade
No justice for the torrent.
Leave me be.
Leave me to my space.
Leave me to my freedom.
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, Adelyn! Thank you for sharing your heart with Mrs. Simon and with us. You chose the perfect metaphor for the push and pull of world events, friendships, and our own internal chaos of feeling. What a beautiful, beautiful poem.
Perhaps I can write a better comment later after I pick my jaw up off the floor. WOW! I too read this same poem to students this week(recorded for a January listen). It’s a poem that’s needed right now. But, A…just shares so much that’s universal in kids right now I could cry. I’m sure, this poem will stay with me today. It’s a perfect gem. My goodness…this is learning as its own reward for student and teacher and all of us.
Wow! To both your teaching and A’s poetry! You have a wonderful ability to allow your openness to create a space for others to be open. A’s poem is stunning. “If the moon could tell the tide to think for itself,” will stay in my head for a long while.
Wow – wh
You have uncovered, discovered a Poet For The Ages.
TY also for the reminder to turn again to Charles’ & Irene’s DIctionary…
Busy, Family full, Wonder Full
Margaret, enjoy your precious weekend.
Wow just wow. Such truth and wisdom in this poem. And how beautiful and imaginative for the moon and tide to have a conversation in the first place! And all of us connected by these words, these poems…making more words, more poems…and the world is quietly, tenderly more peaceful. Thanks for the teacher you are, Margaret! And I’ll be looking for Adelyn’s book of poems that I hope is coming someday!
p.s. also adding this to the Moon padlet!!https://padlet.com/irenelathambook/welcome-to-the-museum-on-the-moon-x6zzhrbpgghd09j6
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing Adelyn’s poem, Margaret. What a gift you’ve given as well as received.
Margaret, another young poet evolves and creates another one of her marvelous poems. Please give Adelyn my cheers and hopes for more poems. Her way of writing brought reflection. My heart is joyful for her words. These lines are deep thinking for a child:
Leave me be.
Leave me to my space.
Leave me to my freedom.
Bravo!
Oh my gosh, Margaret! Such insight and soulfulness in someone so young! If only all children had the heart and courage to speak so deeply. I am reminded: “…and a little child shall lead them.” Thank you for posting this!
Such a gorgeous post Margaret, so glad you shared all here! Irene’s poem is such a truly delicious peace that leaves you wanting more, and Adelyn’s poem full of heart, transforming and so tender an ending, thanks!
I missed that you had posted, Margaret, and what a post to see early this morning! It makes me sad that Adelyn has those worries, but so glad that she has you as her teacher, to show her poems like Irene’s that can express powerful feelings as she did. She’s showing the world how to do it! (I’m glad you posted!)
Adelyn, what a wonderful poem. “I am not the tide,
That flows without ecstasy.” You sure are NOT. Your thoughts, your poem, and your bravery in sharing all show that you are water that’s going to flow, wild and fierce, wherever your heart takes you. Fabulous!
Wow! Adelyn, your poem is beautiful, honest, and poignant. Your first two lines hooked me, and you continued to reel me in. I love it.
If only the stars could join us
and show us peace in the world.
If the moon could tell the tide
to think for itself.
To flow on its own.
Thank you for sharing your heart, you have moved me. Wonderful! Keep up the great work.
Margaret, wow! Thank you for sharing Adelyn’s wonderful poem. I love when you share your students’ poetry. I love Irene’s Dictionary for a Better World and her poem Peace. You are such a great teacher. I’m going to say it again; I would love to be one of your students. Have you ever thought about teaching poetry to adults?