Saturday, June 11, 2016

the kids

these two are not the kids,
they are friends
(this irresistible photo appeared on facebook)
jeff and isis.
(last year when she was 89)
these folks are my neighborhood,
sadly neglected by me of late.
so is this my neighborhood,
time to make hay
if the weather holds.
(it's not) 
 and this mysterious new addition,
plunked neatly into a field.
i can only imagine...
 the newest neighborhood
down the road 15 miles or so,
my new place 
on an old farmstead
 had one foundation now buried
and bits of stone wall.
 (lots of deer flies)
 jean has written about love of tools--
 i find deep pleasure in making tools--
this is the big stump loom
with a whitetail deer
bone folder
doing double duty as a weaving stick
 weaver's sword
holding the shed
a placekeeper.
 just for fun
and utility.
weaving shifu pages
continues
as i wind down my final teaching year.
/one more class day/
/three days of exams for one student/
/a few more days after that/
/to put my room to rest/
this class is all done.
my class will disappear and not be replaced.
i find this to be surprisingly sad
for my students
who must find other placements.
i have had two retirement celebrations,
one with a pretty cake,
one with a cheesy certificate. 
i'm ready
and i will miss you know who you are,
i won't miss
what is happening now in public education.

14 comments:

  1. "School's out for summer
    School's forever"
    old song by Alice Cooper
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Oo8QzDHimQ
    rock on Velma!

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  2. oops typo, there's a missing "out" in the second line!

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  3. mo, oh THE alice! ha! thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Beautiful image of the folder holding & being held in the weaving.
    Public schools, society, how can they be mended? My head hurts from trying to imagine answers.

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  5. Yes beautiful images and beautiful bitter sweet moment. As for what's happening in American education...you were no doubt a fine teacher... but teaching is just not supported - the whole notion of one size fits all is just wrong.

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  6. Velma, you have done all that you can, one can only pray that somewhere, someone will make the changes that are so necessary. love the bone beater, so simple and perfect. Happy, joyful retirement.

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  7. cindi, it's too much. and i'm confused...i thought your name was cindi but it's hazel? holy cow, how did i do that???
    michele, it's not to be believed...
    jean, yes. to all this. and thank you.

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  8. so close! so close. i am so proud of you for making it to this milestone with so much integrity. i am sorry for what 'the system' is losing but overjoyed for everything that lies ahead for you! xoxo

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  9. aimee, thank you for these words.

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  10. the sensation of being unleashed is priceless. enjoy.

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  11. Oh Velma

    You have done so much for the world. You have given your all to help the children in your class and prepare them to walk the brave walk.

    It is now time for you to work your own work. The weaving images are lovely.
    x

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  12. india, i AM indeed unleashed. look out!
    judy, thank you. i had, as we say, yet another "day". it IS over soon.

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  13. A friend of L's and I are doing the flowers on Saturday morning. Would love it if you could join us. (And H, if she would like) We can use your artistic eye and extra capable hands are always welcome! M.A.

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