CLMOOC Make 1: The Unintroduction

For the next six weeks I am joining the CLMOOC.  MOOCs are massive online learning communities.  This one is offered by the Educator Innovator and powered by individuals from the The National Writing Project.  It focuses on making and creating meaning through six weeks of collaborative make cycles.  There is a focus for each week, a space to link up, and then ways to connect with others who are part of the project.  

I'm a little late to the party.  It's been a busy couple of weeks.  Today I'm squeezing in late to for make cycle 1:  "unintroduce" myself.   When thinking about an unintroduction, in only makes sense to think about an introduction:  the pleasantness, the quick judgement, the basic information shared.  For me, I always find the greatest challenge to remember the name which is always given first and then so much information follows.  I decided to unintroduce myself in a poem.

 

image created with Pic2Comic

The Unintroduction

Unraveling truths

not seen;

when meeting

we shake hands,

smile politely,

exchange names,

sharing 

pieces that fit.

Untangling identities:

life as a mother,

sister,

daughter,

friend,

educator,

believer in social justice,

advocate of public education.

Unlocking secrets 

unnamed in the moment:

unseen loss,

unanswered questions,

untold heartache,

unresolved conflicts,

unknown battles,

float between us.

Unaware of the stories

we walk away

introduced,

yet unacquainted.

Left wondering,

with more questions

than answers.

Knowing 

         and unknowing.  

© Cathy L. Mere, 2015