Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
So, I thought I would share a poem from it and remind you that it might make a nice holiday gift for educators you know and like. There are all kinds of poems in this collection: funny, tired, enthusiastic, overwhelmed, proud–something for every mood. I thought with December chaos upon us, this might be fitting. Sometimes we have bright, capable people happy to help, but we’re too overwhelmed to even figure out how they can help us!
What Will the Aide Do?
Some days,
spit and a rusty
safety pin
are all that keep me together
I rush from small groups to stations,
lunch to specials to conference,
to my cool dark room,
empty for three precious minutes
The aide will be here soon
and I should gather her work,
but I bask in this galaxy of silence,
the only quiet I will find today
–Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved
I have shared some other poems from this collection, most of them turned into image poems:
I Think You Should Try It, Too!
A Librarian Can Be…
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Jone at Check It Out!
16 Responses
Laura, I am so appreciative that you gifted me with your book, Heart of a Teacher. The poem you are showcasing today has such a beautiful image of teacher basking “in this galaxy of silence”.
Thanks, Carol:>D
“but I bask in this galaxy of silence,
the only quiet I will find today”
- may we have more of these this December. I long for it, that I know.
Hear, hear, Myra!
I love the poem you highlighted today, especially the first stanza. Held together by spit and a rusty safety pin–I can so relate, especially at this time of year! I’m going to check out your book on Amazon. I think it would make a great Secret Santa gift at school!
Thanks, Molly–that’s so kind of you!
Laura, you’ve perfectly captured those days when “three precious minutes” are all we have, especially at this time of year. Thank you for sharing it today!
At the end of Weight Watchers this morning, we did a 60-second breathing exercise. Even just one minute helped. Like a micro-yoga class:>)
What a wonderful idea to buy this for a teacher! Perfect timing, too. I hope you sell lots of copies!
Thanks, Brenda. I appreciate the thought:>)
Thanks for sharing this, Laura. It is perfect for a teacher and I remember that rushing around well, hardly time for a breath.
Thanks, Linda!
Can we send “I Think You Should Try It, Too” to a certain possible pick for Secretary of Education?!?!
These are great! thanks for reminding us about this collection.
Nice, Laura! I especially love your mindful approach—how your poem soothes in its expansion from small (spit and a rusty safety pin) to large (this galaxy of silence). A fabulous choice for a teacher gift!
Love your little 3‑minute “galaxy of silence!”
The first stanza reminded me of the safety pin I now wear on my coat. This would be a wonderful book to have.