Word Whispers - A Year of Poetry

Upon the first official day of my retirement from teaching, I resolved to write a poem every day of the entire school year. There are several reasons for this literary aspiration. Daily writing provides self-discipline. I was afraid of becoming mushy. The goal forces me to find inspiration in my surroundings. Words delight me, and poetry is my medium for finding bliss. Teaching Language Arts nourished my soul and fulfilled many of my communication needs. Being out of the classroom has silenced a part of me and my raison d'etre. But having time to be silent is a lovely gift in itself. I am slowly learning how to be still and listen to life instead of trying to push life into its appropriate 40 minute lesson plan. It has been a year of growth and revelation.