Monday was Earth Day and the weather could not have been more perfect. A cool front came through, so our temps were in the 60’s. I took each group of students outside for writing time. I opened the Merlin app and we talked about the birds’ songs we heard. It was a good day for listening, teaching, and writing. State testing starts Wednesday, so I was happy for the opportunity to sit outside and forget our worries.
Earth Day is also my father’s death day. He loved double numbers; his birthday was 11/11/33. He passed away on 4/22/22. Ethical ELA’s prompt gave me the space I needed to write about him and his love of trees.
Earth Day Dedication
My father’s compass pointed
to the trees, how the branches
bent and blocked light
shadows dotting landscape.Once he told me trees grounded
him in the present, reliable–
long standing
safety for Mother Earth’s children.Yesterday I heard the “kow-kow-kow”
of a yellow-billed cuckoo
stopping in our tree from its journey
across the Gulf.The journey of life,
as the cuckoo calls,
is hard and easy. Some days
you find rest, take a breath,
sigh for Mother Earth
and sing loud.
(Margaret Simon, draft)
Margaret – beautiful post and beautiful poem for your father. The last line held me – and sing loud. Just wonderful!
Such poetic riches here today, Margaret. “distant dawn song” is a gorgeous line, and then the poem for your father, especially the line about how his “compass pointed to the trees”–I’ll be thinking about your poem all day. Thank you!
Love that you were able to get outside with your students to write. Also love the poem for your father. I understand how trees are grounding. I also look to the trees when stressed or have to much to think about. They are always calming. Thanks for the poem today.
Margaret, the time spent outdoors in the silence of nature to celebrate earth is precious here. I know the students enjoyed the outdoors. Those anniversaries of losses of the ones we love are so tough, but what a treasure to have Earth Day as a way to spend some time in the quiet peace of outdoors, where your father loved spending time too.
Margaret, your poem dedicated to your father is beautiful. I especially liked stanza 2. Your father’s photo is striking. I do like your haiku. The template, photo, and poem are beautifully arranged in a vivid shade of springtime. Would you be interested in sharing this image poem at my Poetry Parade Padlet (https://padlet.com/cvarsalona/join-the-poetry-parade-16pbxxw6o7dl9f8z). I would love to have the children participate. I enjoyed reading Kailyn’s notebook for Earth Day. I would welcome this image for the Gallery if Kailyn is interested.