.
In coaching forum
we talked about finding glimmers
and we each created a little light of mine
to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
How much trauma can we each absorb, and still let it shine?
The fears of ICE.
The crushing pain of stalled SNAP benefits.
The threat of Head Start funding losses.
The threat of Head Start funding losses.
The stress that beautiful babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their caring adults
carry into the classroom
carry in their backpacks
carry in their hearts bodies voices...
and because we are a safe place for release, it is released.
I am grateful to be a guest in this place of light,
where we
aspire to values of justice
speak of problems and speak of solutions
find hope in children and in each other.
Where we absorb trauma and pain and stress and fear
And reflect back light and love, light and love.
Let it shine.
Amen! Let the light of justice shine and snuff out the hate in the regime. The world feels heavy, but art and community bring joy. I hope we see one another at NCTE!
ReplyDeleteI am learning, learning to build in that time for art, community and glimmers! I'll look for you at NCTE, Glenda. Excited to get to Denver.
DeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteIt is a tough time to be a teacher. I felt my chest tightening as I read the second stanza of your poem. But then the release of the third stanza! I’m so happy you and the other coaches came together to name the struggles and insights and recharge yourselves. What a beautiful ending:
“Where we absorb trauma and pain and stress and fear
And reflect back light and love, light and love.
Let it shine.”
Sending light and love.
Sharon, thank you for this thoughtful note. Poetry can be so therapeutic. I messed around with what might happen to make sure readers knew what it meant to have that stress released, but teachers know, don't they? So many hard moments that require us to meet them with peace, care, understanding. Thank you for reading this, and not stopping at stanza two, but finding the "light". Sending you so much positive November energy.
DeleteThought provoking piece, Lisa. Your use of repetition is effective. The phrase "Let it shine" in the first stanza and in the last line ties it all together and encourages the reader to make a positive difference.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, lovely light in the darkness. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete