It's very late, but I wanted to share a poem about this week, and what it's meant to me. I am at the All Write Conference in Warsaw, Indiana, seeing amazing people present, meeting all, ALL those with whom I'm written for over two years now--Ruth, Stacey, Mary Helen, Amy, Bonnie, Christy, Deb G., Karen, Katherine, Ramona and Nancy. And meeting new people too, connecting because we are interested in being better educators. It's been a marvelous day and there's one more to go!
And I'm meeting and talking with these wonderful people kind of like we've know each other a long time. And while it hasn't been many years, the time has passed, and stories have been told and read and appreciated. What an inspiring group!
I found a poem about what we do, that speaks to the courage writers take when they put out their words for others. I hope you like it as much as I do.
The poet is Anne Sexton, and the poem is Courage.
It begins:
It is in the small things we see it.
The child's first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
The child's first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
and the rest is here!
What a poem! Thanks so much for sharing it (hadn't seen it before).
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear that you're having a great time at the conference. Anxious to hear more when you get back!
Hi Jama-evening-trying to get ready to leave tomorrow-will try to catch up with some of the posts tomorrow! I'll be sure to write some things about this experience over the next weeks-amazing people!
DeleteNothing like the confidence gained from "hob-nobbing with your fellow wizards."
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret. It's been a pleasure!
DeleteI love Anne Sexton - definitely one of my favorite poets, such powerful words she wields.
ReplyDelete"Later,
if you faced the death of bombs and bullets
you did not do it with a banner,
you did it with only a hat to
cover your heart."
Such striking images too.
I'm glad that you're having so much fun at the All Write Conference - I can't wait to read your updates about this one. :)
I somehow came across this poem-takes my breath a way, Myra! Thanks, & I know I'll post about some of the learning. Another amazing day today!
DeleteHow wonderful for you to meet all your regular fellow slicers!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great poem -- the last stanza is especially poignant for me on this trip home...
Yes, it's been terrific meeting and interacting with so many. I'm sure you know most of them, Mary Lee! Will you be in town, Mary Lee? If there is anything I can help with, please let me know. Sounds as if it might be a tough trip. Best wishes!
DeleteWishing I was there...
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Tammy. I know you would have had a ball!!
DeleteBeautiful poem - it brought tears to my eyes. I especially love the image of babying sorrow, and when it wakes from its nap it is transformed. Wow. Of course she had to use the word "earthquake," too...
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you to get to be with your online friends in person. Such a cool experience. Have fun!
Thanks Ruth. It was lots of fun, like you I suspect had fun at the IRA (I think). I am tired, though!
DeleteWow, what a powerful poem. Thanks for sharing it, Linda. And I'm so glad you're enjoying the conference.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carmela. It's been much pleasure being here, talking about personal lives and our educational ones! Great conference!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThe part you shared is a beautiful piece of a very heavy poem. Wow! That made me stop and think a bit.
I hope you had fun at All Write. One of these years, I'm going to make it there. I was so glad everyone tweeted all the highlights.
Cathy
Thanks Cathy, it was such fun! And I do think everyone stepped up with courage, hence the poem!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's an amazing poem. So powerful. Enjoy your conference and all your writing buds. And may your writing bud even more!
ReplyDeleteThank you Doraine! I am home now, just! And certainly am inspired!
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