Kind Strangers

Memory Sketch

by Amy LV

Students - This morning, I read through my notebook entries from the week and found this sketch and beginning of a poem I worked on earlier this week, both alone and in front of 150 fourth grade poets. I decided to continue that work as it is very true that this waving man (who I often see while teaching in Wyckoff, NJ) is still in my mind and heart.

Have you ever been surprised by the kindness of a stranger? Perhaps someone you did not know was kind to you. Or perhaps you witnessed a kindness to someone else? We can write these stories, and when we do, I believe that we make the world a little kinder by spreading the goodness of strangers.

You will notice that my poem does not rhyme. It includes a little bit of repetition, and it falls down the page as a poem but also tells a tiny story. As for the title, my original title was "Never Really Gone" but the feeling of wind in a heart came to me upon revision, and for now, I like that best. It brings up the sense of touch, and I, like you, am working to include more sensory description in my poems.

Pay attention to the people around you. Watch what they do. You may find inspiration in their actions and words.

Speaking of inspiration, what a wonderful week! I feel grateful and have a few thank yous for generous people:

Thank you to the grade K-4 students and teachers of Brook Park Elementary School in Berea, Ohio for warmly welcoming me this Monday and Tuesday. I loved our assembly day and our writing workshop day, and I am still thinking about your fine poems and beautiful smiles.

Thank you to the grade 4-6 students and teachers of Tioughnioga Riverside Academy in Whitney Point, NY for such a joyful day yesterday. Your thoughtful introductions and beautiful words and artistic displays truly wowed me.

And lastly, thank you to the Binghamton Area Reading Council. It was delightful to speak to your group again last evening, and to be in my own hometown with such wise, kind educators.

I look forward to featuring some of the poets and artists I met this week in future posts.

Now I am off to Wyckoff, NJ again for my final two days working with students and teachers for this school year. I hope to see the waving man again, and then I will drive home again to write and plan some travels for next school year.

Janice is hosting this week's Poetry Friday roundup at Salt City Verse with a celebration of weather through poems. Each Friday, all are invited to share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship in this open and welcoming poetry community.

xo,

Amy

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