Yesterday I read the New York Times newsletter, an article titled “Hurry up and Wait” by Melissa Kirsch. I do not live in a large city and don’t use mass transit to get to work, but the concept of hurry is very much a part of my week days. I like to rise early so that I have time to write, to read, and to walk. Then I rush!
Because I value a slow start, I usually end up rushing. When I rush, I get irritable.
I worry that these rushing mornings affect my patience with my students. If I haven’t had the time to eat, my patience turns to “hangry”. The NYT article pointed me to Marie Howe’s poem, Hurry. Read it. It’ll only take you 31 seconds to read, to stop and think “What was all that hurrying for?”
Hurry
Margaret Simon, daily elfchen
honey, run
two, three steps
Where are we going?
Slowdown
Reflections on the Teche 
I also read that article yesterday and the linked poem and recognized more of myself than was comfortable. I’m glad you wrote about it and shared your elfchen. Slowdown. A good mantra and also something that is more likely to happen when you’re tuning in trying to find a slice in the midst of daily busyness.
I agree. I wrote this in my notebook after reading the article. I immediately thought I can get a slice out of this.
I read this article too. For me, the “stuck in hurry” mode is very difficult to turn off. I get to a point that I don’t remember how to slow down.
A daily writing practice helps. I also try to play music on my way to school that helps me.
I like a slow start too, but once I get going it is hard to get out of hurry mode. I wish I could turn it off more easily. I also wish I knew how not to impose it on others that can slow down.
On the first of March, I wrote about my morning routine. The poems make me think about time. We pack a lot into the short times only because me are up against time. I agree with the words from your Elfchen poem: “Where are we going?
Slowdown.” We have to be intentional about that.
Margaret, I’m over here in the corner nodding yes, yes! I, too, rise early just to have the time to write and read and gather my thoughts before heading out into this world. The toxic work culture we live in doesn’t afford more than a rush like that photo and a quick kiss with a bagel in hand on the way out the door…..I need tea time, and I need a siesta. We work too hard and rush too hard, and I couldn’t agree more with your post today.
Thank you for this slice and the links to the article/poem. So much of this resonates. Loving your poem and must give the elfchen form a try.
Thank you for linking the article. I saw much of myself in your writing. I also rise early so that I can have a leisurely start to the day with some reading and writing and cat time–and then I end up staying in leisure mode for too long and needing to rush to throw myself together and get out of the house. Surely there is a better way!
Yep – been there – done that – over and over again. I am trying to get up a half hour earlier so I don’t rush. It hasn’t worked -yet! Last week, I tried to go my own pace – slow down – and not rush to work – I was a half late!
Thanks for reminding me that “slowdown” is THE mantra. As another week is about to begin, I’ll remember your poem and reflect on my time. Thank you.
Wow, Margaret…Yes, let’s leave the rushing to the beautiful streams…
31 seconds. Perfect. Tomorrow I go back to work after a week off sick. I am really really hoping I can bring some of my slowed-down rhythm with me into the school week. This post reminds me of the importance of that goal.
Margaret, that poem is rich. I love the questioning the mother does, why in such a hurry. Your “run, two, three” is masterful too. I appreciate your elfchen.
I think about this often. On one hand, if we move more slowly, we might miss something, but on the other, if we’re always rushing, are we really taking the time to experience life? Your slice really made me think about my morning routine.
I think we are probably all guilty of this hurried life at times. That simple question you ask, “Where are we going?” is almost kind of haunting as I see time slipping by.
Uh oh…that resonated too much. I know I am guilty of hurrying my students. I’ve been working on slowing down, giving time. But also struggling to have enough time! Love both your poem and Marie Howe’s poem. Thanks for the reminder!
I am the same way – I love a slow start to my day, which means I have to rush after that.
Love your poem, and the Marie Howe one as well. Indeed, what is all this hurrying for?
It’s one of the reasons I love March… noticing pauses me a bit.
[…] where eleven words are arranged in a 1, 2, 3, 4, 1 pattern. Thank you to Margaret Simon’s post Slowdown for introducing me to this new […]
I love the form of this poem, but I love the sentiment more. I struggle to think of anything that is not improved by slowing down!