Some days
than I know I should
Some days
I wish I had more
time, energy, understanding
Some days
I get frustrated
and hear how short my tone is
Those days
I may have to stop
and count to ten…or twenty
Those days
I have to remember
to take a moment and check myself
Some days
I wonder how I ended up
back in middle school
Some days
when the pressures are mounting
and attitudes are striking
Those days
I take a moment
to get my headspace right
Those days
I remind myself
why I do this
Those days
I remember
they are still just kids
Those days
I push myself
to recall what it was like
to be an adolescent
But then
a look connects or
a comment is made or
a piece is written or
a book is finished or
a laugh is shared or
a joke is told or
a smile is given or
a tear leaks down cheeks or
a dream is stated or
an email is received or
a thought is sparked or
a lightbulb goes on or
a face brightens
On those days
I know my spirits may be low
but my hope is renewed
Each day
there is a moment when I remember
why teaching middle school
is the right place for me
Every day
I love my students
and find the motivation to try my hardest
because I want the best for all of them
I think your poem expresses perfectly the frustrations and joys of teaching. I don't teach middle school, but you could have been writing about me. Thank you for sharing this. :)
ReplyDeleteYou captured what I have felt many times in my twenty five years of teaching!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet every teacher who reads this has experienced this day. I think you captured the emotions of it perfectly
ReplyDeleteMy favorite writing is vulnerable writing. This is so raw and tender. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this poem could have been about me (on many days)!
ReplyDelete"On those days
I know my spirits may be low
but my hope is renewed"
Well said! I will always hold on to that hope!
And the beauty of our profession is that on days like this one...there is always the opportunity to do it better ....tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYes! I think youcaptured what many of us feel some days. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWell, this was my day, too - thank you for reminding me why I love teaching 6th. grade.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that these moments happen to all of us as teachers. I love the poem and I love your honesty here. Middle school is so tricky and some days are so difficult. It is good that you know how to remind yourself of how much you like it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, I have to stop myself all the time and remember they are just kids. We have to have the most patience in the world, working with kids.
ReplyDelete