Today is the first day of Open Write at Ethical ELA. Today’s prompt was offered by Mo Daley.
Mo asks us to consider our place in the world, where we are, and who may have come before. I went to one of my favorite topics, the grandmother oak in my backyard.
I am also thinking about the upcoming Write Out from the National Writing Project in partnership with the National Parks. The theme this year is “Where We Stand”. Please consider writing outside this fall between Oct. 11-25, 2026. There are many student resources available.
Grandmother Oak
To enrich this earth,
I have planted my feet
in the solid arms
of grandmother oak planted
three hundred years ago.
Chitimacha women prayed over the sapling.
I do not wish to escape
her history
scarred into her flesh.
Let me feel it, stroke
her old skin worn
and strong—single survivor.
I praise her hold
of the sunrise
where I rise
to be blessed.
Reflections on the Teche 