Assigned Work: Video Game Writing

So. I committed myself to writing student-assigned topics throughout the month of May. To tell you the truth, I could extend LONG beyond May. The kids had a great time (perhaps TOO good of a time?) coming up with topics they thought I should write, topics they themselves had a tricky time with. Of course,Continue reading “Assigned Work: Video Game Writing”

May Writing Challenge

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. My students are brave and inspiring and amazing – in writing AND in life. So I’m dedicating May to them. I’ve been thinking a lot about how much it takes for them to write, without complaint, WHATEVER it is we throw their way. Every genre, everyContinue reading “May Writing Challenge”

Poetry Month Day 29: Signs

This eveningI sawout the doors of my gyma sun showerand after showinga six year-old howwonderful the smell of rain is I dodged the dropsto my carall the time lookingat the contrasting steel gray sky Knowing this was the perfect time and placefor rainbows. I craned my neckas I walked,then drove,scouring,searching,wonderinghow there couldNOTbe one anywhere AndContinue reading “Poetry Month Day 29: Signs”

Poetry Month Day 24: Repairing the World

There was a lot that I enjoyed about writing today’s poem. For one, it came as a surprising counterbalance to yesterday’s post. I also gathered inspiration from my time today with an incredible group of educators through the Just Schools Cohort. The work my colleagues do inspires me to do better, to be better. That,Continue reading “Poetry Month Day 24: Repairing the World”

Poetry Month Day 23: Draft Form

The poem I wanted to writewas an apology to my studentsbecause today I was crabby and impatient and how at first I thought it was abouttechnology(because technology) and not about how there is so much about me that is broken and not about the outragethat day after day after daypeople are shot first and foughtContinue reading “Poetry Month Day 23: Draft Form”

Poetry Month Day 21: On Opportunity

They say, sometimes,that when God closes a doorHe opens a window (and yes I know gender is a construct) but what I really want to say is that sometimeswhen God closes a doorwhat’s really meant is for you to stay at home,look around this place and sayheyI kind of like this placemaybe I’ll spruce itContinue reading “Poetry Month Day 21: On Opportunity”

Poetry Month Day 20: On Storage

This poem is also an entry for the Slice of Life weekly writing challenge. Go give them a visit! What do you do with all of your ideas,they wonderedthat you gather during the day? She thought a moment,pursed her lipslooked real hard to her left(as if something were there)then she shrugged her shoulders and said,Continue reading “Poetry Month Day 20: On Storage”

Poetry Month Day 19: Litter-ati

Her head is litteredwith poetic debris – random shrapnel of thoughtsthe daily barrage of metaphorthat obscures her vision: the cairn of rocks from her nature walkhow trees grow through fences (and how they’re like some teachers)the many places where she stores her ideashow grief attracts more attention than joythe waiting-for of lilacsthe student who opensContinue reading “Poetry Month Day 19: Litter-ati”

Poetry Month Day 18: Poem

Today is a Sunday. Which is traditionally my Sunday Sit-Down day. But it is also April 18. So today, Sunday Sit-down will have to take a proverbial back seat. Six years ago today, I was with my husband, enjoying a beautiful spring day while working the hostas in the garden. I received a phone callContinue reading “Poetry Month Day 18: Poem”