This week has been tough as an educator. It doesn’t matter if you teach public or private school, it’s been a tough start to 2018 for schools across the nation. Personally, after Wednesday’s school shooting, as I left school for the next day knowing I wouldn’t see my students until Tuesday I cried. All I wanted to say to them was be safe over the weekend, and that I do care for your safety and well being. Instead this is what came out on paper as I processed what I truly wanted to say to my students:
Going Unseen
I see you
Standing there, downcast, low
I hear you
Silent screams shout for help
I see you
Withdrawing, gently closing doors
I hear you
Desperation for change
I see you
Creating a wall, silently
I hear you
Weighted unspoken words
I see you
Quietly screaming - Notice me
I hear you
Acknowledgement pleading behind your eyes
I see you
Tear stained cheeks, puffy eyes
I hear you
Sadness, dark as the absence of sound
I see you
Wondering about existence
I hear you
Questions about life, meaning
I see you
Contemplating further effort
I hear you
Defeat consuming your hope
I see you
Struggling to find purpose
I hear you
Disillusioned doubt
I see you
I hear you
Be safe apples,
L. Bohlinger