This month I am following Georgia Heard’s calendar of prompts for small poems. I am posting daily on Instagram. But this poem response “A List of Last Times” was a little long for that platform.
As the end of the school year and my retirement approaches, I am experiencing many lasts. Some are easy to let go off, some are harder.
Last List for Closing Out the School Year
Complete SLT “student learning target”
Last essays:
read,
evaluate,
give feedback.
Last lesson plans:
standard noted
opening
student work
closing
Submit for review.
Last Field Trip forms:
list students
collect money
get check from the office.Last hallway walk
(How many steps have I taken on this hall?)
my own safe space
books, books, books
student voices echo
a full nest empty (fledglings flown.)
Reflections on the Teche 
You must be full of emotion during this time of lasts. I hope you enjoy all the best memories!
Oh my, so poignant. I agree with Erika. You must be having so many complex feelings. Thanks for sharing the Georgia Heard link and trying “A List of Last Times” in the context of leaving one chapter and beginning a new one. Congratulations on your imminent retirement! 🌟
Oh those last times are hard but there is a sweetness to them. There is this whole new world that develops after retirement. For some it comes slowly – others a quick change but the change can be amazing. I have been retired for 12 years – I still marvel at the ability to go some place in the middle of the day, or take a walk at 10 in the morning. I also feel a bit lost on Sunday night not finishing up lesson plans for the week. I love the list of lasts but now you need the list of firsts – enjoy this change in life.
I know once I get through with the goodbyes and the packing I will be fine. There is much waiting for me in retirement, especially taking a walk at 10 AM! And going to yoga class. And reading a book! So many things! Thanks for your empathy.
The ending of one and the start of a new chapter mixed will bring various emotions. Writing surely will help. When I left my work after twenty-five years (switched jobs) I too counted the lasts. The last outside duty, the last read aloud, the last staff meeting. Your choice of writing a poem helps to remember the last better. For me the two years ago seems like a very distant past.
Oh no the last read aloud! I hadn’t thought of that one. I love how they all gather and hang on every word. It’s magical. I will read aloud forever to my grandchildren.
I know that this writing community went through my retirement with me! I so appreciated being pushed to write during that time. I realized one thing I would miss was red construction paper, and hearing my name called. A list poem is a good way to explore all the feelings.
This is such a poignant list. Being a teacher is so demanding and intensive, that I’m sure the adjustment to leaving will take some time. I love Joanne’s idea to write a poem of firsts! I’m pretty sure that you’ll soon find your days just as busy and fulfilling as when you were working full time, but with more room for spontaneity and travel. I’m empathetic to the emotional impact, but also a wee bit jealous!
I love list poems, and can’t wait to check out this resource from Georgia Heard, a favorite. And appreciating your attention to your “lasts”. What big feelings, even as you go through the motions we’ve all gone through. Thanks for capturing it and sharing it. I’m celebrating with you! (and YES to FIRSTS, too!)
Margaret, I love your emotion and honesty. Great idea to write a list of lasts. You will have so many wonderful memories of your different students to take with you. When you turn off your classroom light and walk out the school doors for the last time, you will have loads of time to make new memories with your grands, other family members, friends, put up your feet and read a great book for pleasure, take long walks with your puppy, take long canoe rides with your husband, and find new adventures. Enjoy!
Gail, thanks! I am excited about all that. It will be hard to close the door and leave but once I have, other paths will open I’m sure.
Margaret, I’m loving this tribute to the year and the closing of this chapter – – but as I read each emotion-filled stanza, I’m even more looking forward to the list of firsts that the next chapter brings. I can feel the energy and excitement even in the letting go. I can’t wait to see what next year brings. I see a picture book.