This poem is dedicated to Hannah, for her strong heart and kindness in the face of a difficult day.
Students - we have spoken before about how writers take on topics which trouble them. When I read the story over at Two Writing Teachers about Hannah's experience at recess, immediately I knew that I wanted to write a poem about this feeling. I certainly know how it feels to be left out. It has happened to me...it happens to each of us. But what will we do? I hope my children, and I, will react as Hannah did. I hope to react not by running away, not by acting out of my own mean places, but rather by creating a new solution and inviting others to be a part of it.
If you read what Hannah's mom (Ruth Ayres) wrote over at Two Writing Teachers, you may have noticed that the words, "...don't know what's in my heart..." are directly repeated in today's poem. That is because they are perfect words, and I felt grateful to hear them and pass them along in another shape. Sometimes beautiful words come to us when we listen to wise people of any age. Thank you, Hannah.
(Please click on COMMENTS below to share a thought.)
Dear Amy,
ReplyDeleteI can not believe I got a poem dedicated to me. Have you ever felt that way? Do you love horses? You can probable guess I do. Thank you for the poem.
Hannah
Dear Hannah,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have felt just as you felt. In fact, I remember it well. Once a girl wrote something mean about me on a lunch table. Do you know what I did? I went in early the next day with a sponge and Comet cleaner and scrubbed it off before any other students arrived.
We all have times when we are confronted by people acting in mean ways. It's very important to know that we are never alone.
As for horses, our family loves them. I am a bit afraid of them (they're so big!), but our children adore riding and are not afraid at all. Horses are so gentle. We humans could learn a lot from them, don't you think? Your mom is such a gentle person, and I can tell that you take after her.
It's nice to meet here in this computer world. Maybe one day we'll meet in person!
Your Friend,
Amy
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI love the repetitive line in this poem, "You don't know what's in my heart." We're all so much more alike than we realize.
Cathy
This poem struck a chord with me. The pain of these childhood moments stays with us forever. Thank you for your lovely poem.
ReplyDelete