Slice of Life/Day in a Poem (Day 1): The Masks Are Off


(This is for the Slice of Life challenge, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. We write on Tuesdays about the small moments in the larger perspective and then all through March — every single day  …  You write, too.)

I’m watching her talk;
the first time in the classroom
with her mask, fully off,
and there’s something wondrous
about such a moment
of clarity that comes coupled,
uncomfortably, with concern

Peace (first day with no mask requirement),
Kevin

9 Comments
  1. Your small poem made me think. “Mask, fully off” – do we take off all masks when we remove the one protecting us from the virus?
    I look forward to reading your slices in poetic form.

  2. Such a small slice that captures so much! I appreciate the meaningful combination of the words: wondrous, clarity and concern. We’re not mask optional yet and there was talk of a parent protest at school this morning…

  3. I love the last lines- the uncertainty but also the joy of being able to see students fully. On Wednesday, we are able to go to mask-optional. I feel ready to teach without it and I’m excited to see my students’ smiles. I know many have conflicting views about masking and it’s a hot topic. For me, now that vaccines are so readily available, I feel like we can’t stay in this holding pattern forever. But I am respectful of those who feel differently.

  4. You are a master at capture big ideas in and loads of emotions with little, carefully chosen and placed words. This one is a piece of time capsule for many. Thanks for sharing and all the best to everyone and their choices. Here’s to faces and respect.

  5. Your poem holds such meaning and emotion. I cannot yet imagine what that first mask free day feels like. So many firsts.

  6. ” such a moment
    of clarity that comes coupled,
    uncomfortably, with concern”
    Perfect summary of the moment we’ve been anticipating while also questioning its wisdom. Wonder and worry, side by side.

  7. Clarity tinged with concern. This does capture so much. I admire your economy with words. I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your thoughts on mask solidarity in my own (much wordier) mask entry that’s showing up tomorrow.

  8. We are unmasked outdoors…and looking at unmasking indoors beginning on the 14th. I want to know more…are the kids nervous? Are you? Love the way the poem hints are the uncertainty that comes with the joy of seeing faces again!

  9. Clarity & concern, coupled uncomfortably… I’m hard-pressed to come up with better consonance for capturing the latest transition for doing school. Thanks, as always, for contributing your perspective via verse.

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