Headline Poem 6/11/14 -- The Thirty-Seventh Tuesday

A couple of things inspired today's poem: there are plenty of graduation headlines, and as the school year ends for me, I reflect on my teaching and learning journey. It's time for new beginnings and new paths. It's also time to say thank you for those who have traveled the same road as me, directly and indirectly, even if temporarily.  

The Thirty-Seventh Tuesday

A year of lessons and discussions 

led to the final exam,

though the tests are never done. 

It's time for graduation 

And for me to go 

in a different direction, changed 

yet the same. 

I appreciate the growth,
and the time it took

To influence me with

piles of notes and books

     knowledge has a way of seeping in
     to the skin
     of those who let it

It is impossible to learn and not teach

And to teach and not learn

This I know -- 
none of it makes much sense

unless we can live it. 

So I do

And see

it's possible 

To be 

compassionate and alive 

at the same time 

For that

I tip my hat,

say thank you, 

and whisper, okay, then... 

Onward.