Gratitude to Old Teachers
When we stride or stroll across the frozen lake,
We place our feet where they have never been.
We walk upon the unwalked. But we are uneasy.
Who is down there but our old teachers?
Water that once could take no human weight -
We were students then - holds up our feet,
And goes on ahead of us for a mile.
Beneath us the teachers, and around us the stillness.
- Robert Bly
This week and last I spent many hours and days back at school, preparing already for the school year that officially begins in four more weeks. And I'll be spending 20 hours each week, minimum, continuing to prepare. In light of this reality, of summer's end and the end of a year spent returning to myself, I felt I needed a source of encouragement, words to remind me that I possess the strength to carry what I've become back into my teaching life.
Then I thought of this Bly poem.
Do you have a poem to offer us today, one that serves you at this moment? Either post it in the comments or post in on your blog and link to the post.
May you continue to enjoy the beauty of summer and the honor of work that is of use in the world.
MFB,
L
2 comments:
Dead Thick
NO. I haven't kept up with the modern stuff.
Haven't read a book in years.
Textbooks? A few, but nothing new.
Mind you, it's nor that I don't
Have the inclination, just that
Nothing's grabbed my fancy.
Still, I like what I've read: Hardy,
Golding, I'll flick through
Graham Greene if I have to.
But no, nothing new. Mind you
I read the reviews. They contain
A lot of sharp observation.
After reading a Couple I find
I can form my own opinion.
I'm too busy for literature, That's the problem.
I'm after promotion. Ideally what I'd like
is a job in administration.
What do I do? Teach. English.
It's exhausting. The kids are thick.
They've nothing between their ears.
Do you know what? Some of them
Haven't read a book in years.
Brian Patten.
Fantastic. You are a wonder, PL. I'm inspired to begin collecting teacher & student poems, I do believe, and I'll be sharing both of these with my educator-pals.
Thanks as ever.
Post a Comment