Genius Freak

The Teachers Write assignment for Monday was to write 12 lines of verse with a particular rhyme scheme. I am going to forego the disclaimers I forbid my students from making, the two main ones being "This sucks," and "I'm not good at poetry." I usually think those things when I write poetry, but I won't say them. These lines are inspired by powerful conversation I recently had with a best friend of mine. In the safety of her kindness, I was able to visit places in my heart that I have gone to in years. I was undecided about posting them. But her great bravery has inspired smaller braveries in me. No title yet The trunk of memory is dusted off Unlocked by trust, the lid held open wide. His ghost, unscarred and beautiful, in peace Asks for attention, not to be denied. For decades packed away where light is scarce; The darkness, sanctuary from the pain. To break it open seemed to much to bear, But in the hands of love, I can...

I came across a blog posting about a virtual writing summer camp for teachers. It's called Teachers Write.  My interest was piqued, but so was my fear of failure.  I wanted to give it a shot.  But two things were holding me back: my perpetual inability to dedicate time to doing the writing I want to do, and my fear that everything I write sucks. (Looking at that sentence now, clearly one of those things in the parent of the other.) I have recently made a very good friend whose daily braveries inspired me to sign up for Teachers Write, despite my own dearth of bravery in the writing arena. She also inspired me to take the extra step of posting some of the writing I do here.  Because if my aim is to be brave, I have to take some chances. The first task was a short introductory post with some background and goals for the program, and something we have noticed about our students as writers. Another first week task was to make a list of things I wonder about. Her...