SOLS #23 Perception
In addition to the Slice of Life Challenge at Two Writing Teachers, I'm finally joining the Poetry Roundup hosted at A Year of Reading.
*If you're reading this poem from a mobile device turn it sideways.
PERCEPTION
After a day
Of anticipation
The bell rings
Doors swing open.
The first graders leave
Heads hanging down.
"It's spring break,"
The teachers say.
The eighth graders
Grab their cellphones
Shove books into their lockers
"Finally," they shout!
The children know they should be happy
But a week without school?
"How will we do it?"
They ask.
"A week without school,"
The tweens think with glee.
This day has taken
For-ev-er!
"We will be right here
When you return,"
The teachers assure.
The children smile.
The teens race out the door
The sound of happiness rumbles.
Teachers try to slow them down
But the students do not look back.
The young learners
Say their goodbyes
And exit
Waving to their teachers.
Students push through
The doors
A strange quiet settles
In empty halls.
That is great Cathy! I love how you compared the two. Oh so true!
ReplyDeleteNice side by side...really like the style. Very much a poem in two voices. I wonder at what age students lose their love of school--or at least when do they lose that feeling of wanting to be there?
ReplyDeleteCathy,
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the last day of school. I'm always thinking my first graders will be excited about summer vacation and all they talk about is missing me and each other. (I love first graders) It's always interesting to look at things from different perspectives, which is difficult for first graders to do. So important to be able to look beyond ourselves. Lots of take-aways from your poem.
Love the two voices. Isn't it the truth? Wonder how we can change the perception of the tweens? Maybe they need to hang out with those first graders, let a little bit of their enthusiasm rub off. Happy spring break!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I giggled when I read your note about turning the mobile device. Ah, smart phones!
So true - and at fifth we are somewhere in the middle. They were ready to go but when I've seen them around town they are beyond excited and ready to talk to me. Love the format you used here.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of the You Read To Me, I'll Read To You books. Today was our last day before spring break. I received many hugs from primary students as they left for the day. I really liked your poem.
ReplyDeleteLoved this poem. It reminds me of poems for two voices. They say perception is everything and you have the essence of different perceptions here. You provided a further connection for me with your lead quote- I have the same book
ReplyDeleteGreat poem, Cathy! Our littlest learners at school thrive in a routine, and my teens at home yearn for free time. You totally captured the feelings of both.
ReplyDeleteIt is a "strange quietness" isn't it. Your poem reminds me of the last day of school too. I always feel it's a little anti-climactic. I so relate to the first graders - I'm sad too. I never understand those teachers who count down to spring break or summer vacation with such ferve. Yes, I love the break, but it is bitter sweet, especially those first moments.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to "hear" this one as a podcast of two voices ...
ReplyDeleteKevin
Ooo... I agree with Kevin. I'd love to hear this read in tandem with a younger and older voice.
ReplyDeleteI love the structure of it!
Love this - you and Michelle both wrote poems in 2 voices today. Something to which I aspire. :). But within your poem are so many truths - I have to say this year most 5th graders were ready to say just walk out the doors as well. We were planning for our spring break reading, and one student turned to me completely baffled. "they call it BREAK for a reason.". Guessing he probably didn't get much read over break. :)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteWhen I shared the news of spring break with my first graders many showed their disapproval with thumbs down and pouty lips! This is why I teach first grade!
ReplyDelete