Small Moments: Slice of Life 1 of 31
Today I planned to write a "kick off" post. At the end of the day six of my students from several years ago came to visit. They made my day. I decided they would be my first slice. It's the small moments that matter.
They walk in,
twice the size they were
when we spent our days together
all those years ago,
one community of
learners.
They sit down in the chairs
that used to fit them perfectly,
laughing at the size,
knees touching their chins.
Did they really fit
once?
They pick up the books
they loved,
reading them again,
though they've read them
many times
before.
They look the same,
yet different,
caught between
who they were,
and the adults they will soon
be.
They reminisce about the writing,
the markers,
the authors,
the friendships,
the simplicity they now
appreciate.
We chat about their worlds,
what they're reading,
what they're writing,
they complain of homework,
of the expectations they must
fulfill.
But I can tell they love
their more grown-up worlds,
with smart phones,
complex stories,
enduring friendships,
laughter.
I look at them and smile,
at the memory
of who they were,
and the glimpse
toward who they are
becoming.
Knowing it's the little things
they'll carry with them,
knowing they will
remember these days
as on they
journey.
© Cathy L. Mere
How heartwarming. I think this is the dream of every teacher, to be remembered and cherished. Small moments touch our hearts in a big way!
ReplyDeleteOh Cathy, what a way with words you have. This is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. When students return to visit, it really is a big moment. Look at the love and memories it brought back to you!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely sharing this post with my daughters who still talk about their first and second grade teachers. I work in a k-6 school now I sometimes look at the little ones and try to imagine what they will look like and be as sixth graders. That would be a fun poem to write as well. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to end the day and the week, with a smile and a poem to remember those students.
ReplyDeleteAs high school teachers we forget that what elementary teachers did for our students came with a lot of your hard work. Loved reading your poem, sis.
ReplyDeleteLove this stanza:
ReplyDeleteThey look the same,
yet different,
caught between
who they were,
and the adults they will soon
be.
I think that perfectly captures that age - and when I love to meet with former students. To see where they are, how they have changed, and where they are going.
Perfect. The best thing about this poem is that any teacher who has had students come back for a visit will relate and isn't that what poetry is all about.
ReplyDeleteBest afternoons ever - when they come back from high school to visit. They always know that my first words will be - "What are you reading?" Just like you said, "It makes my day." Sometimes it makes the week! Love these unexpected visits.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reflection about always being a part of their lives. Life is a journey to gather memories. It's not about standards to learn, test scores, and fact fluency. Thanks for capturing that.
ReplyDeleteCathy,
ReplyDeleteLove this a small moment. There's nothing I like better than connecting with former students, remembering who they have been, and seeing who they might grow into. Like several others, I love these lines:
I look at them and smile,
at the memory
of who they were,
and the glimpse
toward who they are
becoming.
I kind of feel like this when I look at my own sons too. Happy slicing!
Carol
Moment captured perfectly! As Mandy mentioned, it's not about the test scores. It's about the kids growing up. A little moment that makes everyone a little happier.
ReplyDeleteI love this slice - it is so much fun to see how former students grow and change and what they've become. You obviously made a big difference in their life for them to make the time to stop in. And your poem was the perfect format for sharing their visit.
ReplyDeleteLove that we're doing this Challenge again this year!
Wonderful to capture this 'small moment' & so beautifully Cathy. I think it's one of my favorite moments when alumni return, so full of themselves, happy to show who they are becoming. Thank you for letting us have a glimpse into your moments.
ReplyDeleteThis was the perfect day to read this... as I head out to watch my 5th grade son cross over into Boy Scouts today... I'll always see the little one he was, but I'm so proud of the young man he's becoming.
ReplyDelete