Poem In Your Post: "Gratitude to Old Teachers"

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