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As student and as teacher, I knew
Labor Day heralded the serious new year,
one based on the rhythm of semesters,
and surrounded by city streets, backpacks,
uniforms and rush hour dangers.
That rhythm sings to me even as I move
in green landscapes and feel their slower pace.
The gold, orange, red and brown that pop
in schools grow gradually into autumn
with chrysanthemums and maple trees.
Warm days and cool nights invite walks and sleep;
thoughts settle in the hush of birdsong and
distant planes. Who can miss crowded rooms and
lessons here? My hands open a book, and
I think idly of holding one among students,
three or four of whom are curious
to discover the rough and holy
dimensions of words that unroll like flight
in our minds. I leave the book open in my lap,
pick up a yellow leaf, twirl it, and
imagine its journey from seed to me.
For my prompt "Education" at What's Going On?
Ah yes, as a teacher my 'new year' always began after Labor Day as well. A fresh start. A new group of students to work with. Labor Day still gives me a lump in my throat, and I always think to myself that I don't want to go back. And then, of course, I remember I don't have to. I think that rhythm will stay with me forever!
ReplyDeleteThe school year still feels like the beginningof the year to me.......but I, like you, enjoy the slower pace now. I love your contemplation of the leaf's journey. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe last verse is so beautiful, Susan... rough and holy dimensions and the journey of leaf and person.... Schools here start in June after being closed during the worst of the heat of April and May... of all the things I remember it is brown paper, reams of it, we had to cover each text book and note book and put labels on them with our name and class... it does seem like a long time ago!!! Don't think kids do that anymore :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a blessed journey, Susan; from seed to fruition; to be enriched with words, memories; to prepare for a greater journey. So wonderful to have a glimpse of 'back to school' days of another land. Our schools began in January and it was refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery in this wonderful poem - I am glad the gift of words will always be passed on - Jae
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Susan. You evoke a season so well, not only of time of year, but time of life as well. And that ending, my gosh.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is so much part of your life. This is so evident from this lovely poem
ReplyDeleteGreat words crafted together for a season in life. Well Done
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