Let's celebrate James Russell Lowell's "And what is so rare as a day in June?/Then, if ever, come perfect days" as we visit Buffy Silverman at Buffy's Blog for the first Poetry Friday in June.
Today I said goodbye to my last class. I'm retiring from the classroom and from my school after twenty-six years there. What a lovely journey it has been! Here is part of Karla Kuskin's poem, "Thoughts That Were Put Into Words" that I shared with students today:
The words were then spoken
And written
And read.
Take a look and go on
We are practically done.
I always leave the students with a goodbye poem, and this is my favorite. They each are given a laminated copy, but I also hope they'll carry poetry from all the year in their hearts.
At the ending of this year, I am ready, yet the last couple of weeks are so packed with exciting activities, and filled with things to do that I seem to be always looking ahead, looking ahead, hoping I didn't forget anything.
My words to myself--especially this year--are to stop that looking ahead, to stay in the present. I took my own advice early Monday morning. I sat in the car right after taking this picture and wrote. Then I went into school to begin my last week as a teacher.
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| June is here I will be like the poppies and enjoy the sun |
Best wishes for a happy, enriching retirement! This is a beautiful post. When I taught HS, I always gave the seniors a goodbye poem (whether they wanted it or not!): http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2014/09/12 . May you ever be like the poppies, enjoying the sun!
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand the "whether they wanted it or not", Jane. But some return & tell me they still have it, a lasting connection. Thank you for the new poem. I have more than one, and love finding another.
DeleteOh, Linda - I'm a little misty reading your post, knowing how you've poured your heart, talent and gifted insighsts into children for so many years. [My daughter says goodbye to her first-year-teaching class today (third graders) in Greenville, SC - joyful and sad, too.]
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS to you! And I'm so excited to follow along in the new chapter you'll write for yourself. Like those poppies, your life will continue to be bright and uplifted and inspiring.... Wishing you gobs of blessings!
Thanks so much, Robyn, & best wishes to your daughter, too. I taught first grade well before being at this school, & still remember my first class-special!
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ReplyDeleteLinda, you surprised me with your news but I am so happy for you! -Another chapter in the story of life. May each day shine with the sun.-
DeleteYes, I do love your June poem for Spring's Symphony because it is connected to your life now and forever. This is a good reminder to me to stay in the present. I love your collaborative spirit so thanks for always writing beside me for the galleries. Will you be at #ILA in July or #NCTE15 in November? I long for a meet-up with you. If you travel to NYC or wish to let me know.
Thanks Carol, I haven't made the plans yet, but am pondering the ILA because then I can also visit family. I have a few other trips first to do. Thank you for your wishes. Someday we'll get together!
DeleteYou are going to LOVE retirement! Now you can go into classrooms and work individually still making a difference in lives, or concentrate on those grandchildren and making memories they will carry forever! I still work on teacher certification, mentoring teachers, h.s. career planning, elem. reading and writing in classrooms and helping out homeschoolers. I don't think the teacher ever leaves you. There will be more to this chapter than you know! May you ever be like the poppies - cheerful, colorful and soaking up life!
ReplyDeleteThe encouragement is welcome, Donna. Thank you. For sure, I will be going back to volunteer as a grandmother, in Ingrid's classroom!
DeleteCongratulations on your retirement, Linda, but as Donna said, once a teacher, always a teacher. I know you'll continue to find ways to share the wealth of your knowledge, insights, experience and compassion with whomever you meet in this new phase of your life.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing that lovely moment of stopping to appreciate those poppies and writing about them.
Thank you, Jama. New adventures are exciting, and I think I'm ready!
DeleteWhy did I not realize you were retiring? I knew you took over a class this year and have enjoyed reading about your adventures with them. What are you going to do with your wild life? The peonies are so perky and pretty. I hope your goodbye is full of joy along with the tears I'm sure will come.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret. It's been a whirl of a few weeks, and I know I'll miss the 'crowd', but also am ready for other things.
DeleteHow lovely to be like the poppies and enjoy the sun. We will have to celebrate your retirement at All Write. What will your next chapter be? How exciting to be able to make those decisions. Congratulations Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elsie. I am so looking forward to being with you and everyone at All-Write-a celebration? Absolutely!
DeleteYes to staying in the moment. Beautiful, stunning really, photo and so meaningful and important your poem. Hoping that summer brings me more time to catch up with my PF friends. I wish you well in your retirement and bet you have some amazing plans for your time ahead!! And celebrating it all. I got to teach a poetry workshop session today in gr. 4. I adored it. I was subbing for a friend and she so kindly asked me if I wanted to do a lesson rather than have her leave plans. And I have my PF friends to thank, too! Michelle H. Barnes, Laura Salas, and Nikki Grimes. Happy summer, Linda.
ReplyDeleteJanet F./Clare/Fagal
Thanks very much, Janet. Hoping to continue writing & also just catching up with life.
DeleteTwenty-six years--wow, that's a lot of teaching (and I'm sure a lot of lucky kids who were guided by you.) Congratulations on the next step, and oh I love that poppy poem. Yes, enjoy the sun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Buffy. I appreciate the wishes.
DeleteCongratulations, Linda! Take time to sit and relax and "be like the poppies" before embarking on the next phase. I know this is sexist, but I've never known a woman who didn't find retirement a whirlwind of exciting things to do. Men, however, almost never seem to know what to do with themselves.
ReplyDeleteHa! Perhaps so! Thanks Diane, I am not worried, happy to spend time doing other things, and to just "be".
DeleteHi Linda! Love that poppy photo and poem. Congratulations on all those wonderful years of inspiring students! And enjoy doing what moves you :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tabatha. It's been a lot of good years!
DeleteI can't imagine you retired (and you probably can't either, some moments)! Congratulations and best wishes for the next phase of life!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee. I've loved all the wonderful times, but am also ready for what's next.
DeleteOh, Linda, what a lovely poem. I know this new chapter will be fun and provide more time for whatever you want to do - writing, reading, slowing down, and of course, more time with family! Blogging has taught me to slow down and savor the small moments - such a gift in our busy world.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ramona. I am looking forward to all of it very much.
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have many wonderful days ahead, filled with sunshine, flowers, and poetry. Thank you for giving so many years to the classroom. I am sure you will be missed.
Best,
Tricia
Thank you, Tricia. I love the wishes!
DeleteLinda--
ReplyDeleteThank you for the gift of this goodbye poem, and all the best for your future presents! May June bring you perfect days, and every month thereafter!
Heidi, you are welcome. Thank you, too, for the sweet words.
DeleteI am feeling so many things for you right now, Linda, but mostly gratitude... for who you are, for the fact that you give of yourself so generously, for all you've done as a teacher over the years, for the presence you are as a poet, encourager, and role model. Thank you for both poems in this post, but especially for those sun-kissed poppies and the message you have planted in my heart. You're such a special person , Linda, and I wish you all the best for your retirement.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle. I appreciate all your wishes. I'm looking forward to a summer filled with poetry!
DeleteHappy retirement, Linda! What a milestone for you. I got goosebumps reading Kuskin's poem and yours - wow. Your gift of poetry and love of learning will continue beyond the classroom because of your passion. I am privileged to read your words. =)
ReplyDeletedo love Karla Kuskin's poem, have for a long time. Happy you enjoyed both poems. I'm glad we're connected through poetry, Bridget. Thank you.
DeleteLovely post, and congratulations! I hope you are savoring every day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am & will, Ruth.
DeleteCongratulations on your retirement. I know it will give you time to do more of what you love. I also know that education will stay close to your heart. I love the idea of giving each student a poem at the end of the year. What a perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteCathy
Thanks, Cathy. It was a special week last week, but I am ready to take off down other paths.
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