Chubby Sunflower Bee
Photo by Amy LV
Reflecting on these bees, I found myself noticing how much I love watching them doze, how much I love their little pollen pants and fuzzy bodies. I found myself noticing how different this experience is than the experience of reading information and looking at pictures (even adorable pictures) on my phone or computer screen.
Long ago, I remember reading an article about a baby swiping at a magazine, trying to turn the page as one does on an iPad. That troubled me, and it troubles me when I find myself trying to click on one of my own thoughts (does anyone else do this?) When such a thing happens, I am reminded:
Go outdoors.
The natural world is real in ways that the technological world can never be. Trees and bees and meteors remind us of our humanity. We need them. This is my reminder to me...and perhaps to you if you also need it.
What might you need to be reminded of? Perhaps make a list...and then choose one or more of the items from your list to write about. Maybe a poem, maybe not. When we write about our goals and struggles, it helps us to think about them in new ways. And sometimes, when others' read our reminders, they find themselves reminded of something too. In this way, writing helps us and others at the same time.
Teachers - It is a new school year. Please allow me to recommend more time outdoors. The best book I can recommend about combining curriculum with time outdoors is one of my favorite professor's books - LITERACY MOVES OUTDOORS by Valerie Bang-Jensen. Wise, practical, and beautiful. I cannot recommend this book more!
This week, Heidi is hosting the Poetry Friday roundup over at my juicy little universe with good news and a sudoko poem. Each Friday, all are invited to share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship in this open and welcoming poetry community.
May your brain encourage you and also push you where you need to be pushed...
xo,
Amy
Please share a comment below if you wish.
Know that your comment will only appear after I approve it.
If you are under 13 years old, please only comment
with a parent or as part of a group with your teacher.
Watching a bee = free ... Yes! Love this, Amy.
ReplyDeleteAmy. being outdoors is a wonderful place to be. I found my time watching one be and a butterfly moving in front of me. I was mesmerized by their consistent back and forth journey looking for pollen. "The natural world is real in ways that the technological world can never be." -That is the truth!
ReplyDeleteThanks for going outdoors today and sending us a good message.
Amy, what a sweet poem. I especially the last simple lines. "I am watching a bee. It is fat. It is yellow. I'm free." So lovely because it reminds me in its simplicity that the poetry is in nature. Here's to going outside!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the conscious uncoupling implied in your poem, Amy. What an apt reminder of the need to disconnect with tech and commune with nature and all its rich offerings.
ReplyDeleteBecause we had such fun kayaking yesterday on a nearby lake, Try New Things is top on my list of reminders!
ReplyDeleteThat last stanza IS the poem. I watched just such a bee in its pollen pants 😂try to ride inside in the middle of a zinnia I had cut yesterday morning. Also, two days ago I caught myself trying to flick an actual fly off the top of my computer screen by clicking at it with my mouse. I got up and went outdoors.
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest holding a baby which i am currently doing. The scent is intoxicating. I love your instructions to yourself and others to go outside. I’m involved with the National Writing Project’s Write Out program that happens for 2 weeks in October. It’s a great way to inspire outdoor writing.
ReplyDeleteGetting lost in nature is such a wonderful place to land mentally (and physically). Now I think I'll sit outside and watch the birds! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteLove your reminder, Amy... and am always looking forward to escaping technology in the forest!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I just finished writing a textbook chapter on teaching outdoors (which I did with elementary students for 15 years). I think my next step is to put my lesson plans in a book/workbook. I am awkwardly saying that I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for sharing the book - all subjects can be taught successfully outdoors and it's a great place to apply literacy lessons (and unplug).
ReplyDelete