Yesterday morning, I realized that it was World Poetry Day. OK, so I am not sure what that kind of holiday is but it sounds good to me! (I’m a sucker for writing-inspired-days). I decided that I would spend the school day, periodically writing down haiku reflections as my students were doing some poetry writing themselves (which we had already planned.) I also began sharing the haikus on Twitter when I had a few moments. Haiku works well with Twitter due to the brevity of lines and words.
The first poem came from the moment when I made the decision to write poems.
I celebrate poems
Small lines that entwine my heart
released to the world
On the drive to school, it was foggy. Very foggy. I was reminded of Carl Sandburg’s famous poem, and used that as a hook.
Sandburg speaks of fog
I see the cat this morning
shining bright car lights
As I pulled into the parking lot at school, the sun was trying to poke its way through the fog and mist. You could just make out the rays extended through the cloud cover. I know it was illusion, but it looked like strings from a balloon.
Defused sunlight drips
like tether lines off balloons
we chased as children
Before the kids arrive, and as I am getting ready for the day in my classroom, I often play (crank/blast) music in my room to gear up. I chose The Gaslight Anthem, a hard-rocking band that echoes Springsteen.
The Gaslight Anthem
soundtracks my morning with blasts
of blue-collar lives
I turned off the music as the clock struck 8:30 a.m. and then …
Noises in hallways
breaks the silence of morning
the day then begins
During our writing time, I watched the room, observing my sixth graders, writing lines myself.
They’re all poets now
carving out space between words
rhythmic thoughts collide
After the writing, there is the independent reading of novels. I’ve been amazing at how quietly and focused they can read for extended periods of time. (OK, so not everyone. But most of them)
Silence gets broken
only by pages turning
slowly, in their minds
The temperatures outside were reaching 70s by the end of the day and even I was looking wistfully out the window.
Inside; the Outside
beckons you to stare, helpless
as Spring comes alive
And finally, the kids went home, the school calmed down, and I closed up my classroom, walked outside to my van. I closed my eyes to take in the sun. Now, it is family time.
Out into the air
the building releases me
my mind shifts its gears
And that is my school day in haiku. If you are up for it, and you want to comment as haiku, I would be thrilled. (no pressure)
Peace (in the poetry),
Kevin
Up to the challenge
Wish I’d known to write poems
Like this yesterday
Will check out the band
Will observe, reflect on day
Preserve in poems
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
frogs are mating daily
your writing gives me such joy
time to wash my hair
What an inspiration you are! I had a student once who only wrote in haiku. He would use the last word of one haiku to begin the next. He never tired of the form.
Early morning coffee waits
while I read blogs of the day
Teachers inspire me!
No pressure, huh?
mind churning quickly
pressure building to perform
but can she do it?
sitting by window
ocean waves crashing to shore
relaxed and peaceful
Loved the challenge! Your day in haiku was great!
reading through slices
inspiration comes daily
comment and read more
I love these! I have a student who frequently writes haiku for his daily slices. I can’t wait to share them with him! Here’s my haiku from a post I did last week:
Day’s end fills me with
Overwhelming challenges.
Sunrise calls me back!
Check out the link to see the fun photo I snapped!
http://pleasuresfromthepage.blogspot.com/2012/03/hope-springs-eternal.html
wow haiku the day
responses galore for you
more and more poems
You all rock!!!!
Thanks for sharing your poetic comments today, and I hope a few more follow suit
Kevin
fingers fly over keys
click clack tip tap commenting
adding to your post
pictures appearing
reaching ‘cross the universe
gifts to each other
(-:
tank tops and bra straps
underwear worn as clothing
middle school springtime
Dinner, bath and bed
Kiss, hug, tuck in story time
Ahh! sit down to write
Such gorgeous haiku
Capturing essence of day
So very clever!
I like the thoughts that accompany your haiku.
Haiku speaks to me
During quiet times alone
Whispering so low
My eyes are droopy
my dog already snoring
time to go to bed
(Your day of haiku was inspiring!)
Each day I stop here.
Yes, to read your new slices.
Much variety.
The play with language.
The rhythm of words catches.
Causing me to pause.
I loved waking up, seeing all the comments from last night. Lovely poetry!
Administration
Suits and ties for a changing
Gloomy Sunshine Day
Common Core Standards
Pushing to achieve more than
Trial and error
Twitter and Wikis
Student engagement the key
Reprimand Letter
Students clamoring
Searching for knowledge beyond
Make me a Teacher
Pingback: A Day in Haiku « Reflections on the Teche