Children I knew as a teacher
disappeared into adults
leading serious lives.
In our chance encounters,
I see their youth postures and
hear their young voices.
My smile matches their smiles.
A good kind of remembering—
seeing new bloom on old rose bushes.
A good kind of forgetting—
the care some bushes needed
to mature so gracefully.
I pray for them and their families:
Be safe from harm. Help create
the earth you need to survive.
For Sumana's prompt "Children" at What's Going On?
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2024 Susan L. Chast
This is beautiful, Susan. I love the new blooms arising from the old bushes........it is good to know one has planted seeds in young minds that are bearing fruit now.
ReplyDeleteLovely simile.
ReplyDeleteHow rewarding it must be to interact with former students, now adults. It doesn't happen to me often....as they were much younger when I knew them, and they have changed so much that I wouldn't recognize them. Sigh. There are many I WOULD like to see again.
ReplyDeleteI also have similar experiences, Susan. They remember us with gratitude yet I forget their names. I ask their name, pass out year politely. "My smile matches their smiles.' I love how the poem closes with the blessing they need. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis image of children disappearing into adults is wonderful...Help create the earth you need to survive... is a beautiful prayer, a blessing.
ReplyDeleteAs an ex teacher, I know that disappearance of children into adults, and I will see it again in my grandson, Susan. I also love the way you describe it as ‘
ReplyDeleteOh I agree with all the above as a former teacher - it would be both heartening and surreal to see former students who have "disappeared" into adulthood.. a compelling poem... just lovely ...
ReplyDeleteLove the line - hear their young voices.- this is the way we reflect on those years and memories. time changes everything. Well done for this lovely poem
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteA very well considered reflection about those you have known as students and wondering about where they are and what kind of adults they have become...hopefully rewarding your educational countenance with the lives they are now leading..
Beautiful. It is lovely to see young children grow and blossom into happy adults, but you are right, it takes care and love.
ReplyDeleteSorry - anonymous is Suzanne - Wordpress blog - Wayfaring.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to see friends bloom into beautiful adults.
ReplyDelete