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| Richmond, VA |
last week of school, halls full
as a shook can of coke
&she asks---
you sign my yearbook?
&i am no one, just someone willing
to say hi, give her high fives, each time i
stop in to see one of my guys
eyes wide behind thick panes, she waits,
cocked grin, hip hitched in exaggerated gesture
same as when she walks - thus the saddle
of the specialK moniker - oh, they're
careful not to say it loud enough to be heard
by anyone but her & she may be slow to process
but not clueless to cuts, blue&black rock
marks---hearts-less
& i find a blank space, crowded by blank space---
she's moving to high school next, so i wish
her grace, remind her who she is & the future
that awaits---repeat REpeat REPEATed phrases
for impact, come backs to combat whisper,
whiSper, WHISPEred---attACKs
we smack palms & she crooked lines off,
sun dress dancing her wake, showing anyone
that will look, in her marbled mouth dialect,
how mr. brian signed her year book
that will look, in her marbled mouth dialect,
how mr. brian signed her year book
they just as oblivious as she is about who
i am, no one, just someone willing
to say hi, give high fives & recognizes another
human when he sees one---
it's the last week of school, halls full
& she's special, oK.
it's the last week of school, halls full
& she's special, oK.
It's that time once again, OpenLinkNight @ dVerse Poets, which means we are about to get our poetry on...so what are you waiting for, grab a pen and get to writing...the doors open at 3 pm EST...see you then.
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107 comments:
As an ex-teacher this so resonates with me Brian. We don't always know as educators what small fires we may ignite with our seemingly insignificant gestures, and yet these moments plant such seeds as oaks are made of. Great write my friend. I enjoyed it immensely.
Halls full as a shook can of coke.
Yay summer and no school and yearbooks and going to hs. Sweet seeing the specialness of individual kids. :)
Have to agree with James. Looking back on my own school days, the teachers who most influenced me did so in ways of which I am sure they were unaware. you have caught a truth which is often missed. Excellent work.
Enjoyed the way you described her, and though its a simple rite of passage, the words of teachers and others who guide us, affect us in one way or the other ~
Happy Tuesday to you ~
So vivid in your description of her... a little sad. You make a difference in so many lives.
Everyone deserves a connection, even if it is a bit more tightly held onto by one end of the rope than the other.
I'm crying. My YellowBoy has the most tender heart of anyone I know, so of course he's bullied relentlessly by the cool guys, the ones who DON'T cry when someone hurts the "special" boy's feelings, but Y? He puts his arm around the Down Syndrome boy instead. "Oh look, a cry-baby and gay too!"
This year he greeted me at the end of the year picnic with a huge grin and, "MOM! Four kids asked me to sign their yearbook!" This would be up from zero. Ever.
This touched me. My new favorite. Last line perfect.
Tina @ Life is Good
"a blank space, crowded by blank space" yes, but blank no more, like a little smile on a bleak day. This is so true! Thank you!
I agree with james, also...
I believe you have planted a valley, a ridge, a region of oaks
and the writing was spot on as usual
Yes she is special and it is great you gave her some love!!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Nostalgic....tender and touching.
Knowing what I know I would ask and be so happy to have you sign my
long past year book, 'cause you're an angel
Brian, this is SO GOOD, so warm a story. Prayer Girl worked with developmentally-disabled Peeps for 20 years, and so I called her in to read to her--one more of your experiences/masterpieces.
Even though we not all in classrooms, I believe each of us are 'teachers' in one way or another. And you remind us of our Joyous Obligation to Peeps, whoever, and wherever we meet.
Thanks for this 'so-well-written' piece of empathy, and how we--the nobodys, hope to respond to our Peeps each day--in and out!
my college son wrote a letter to his high school teacher telling him how much his class gave him the advantage among his peers in college...i think that teacher probably saved that letter for the rest of his life...
Sounds like all she needed was the high five
And kept you alive
With your gawker power though
Such gratitude is bound to show
Man, you are a good soul. Consistent and loving and giving. Quoting Jack, you make me want to be a better person.
OH this is beautiful. That girl will remember your kindnesses FOR LIFE. YOU make her special and YOU make her COUNT...even if just for a few moments. EVERYONE wants to be special.
Saying Hi is all it takes to make someone feel special. Some should do it more often.
Mr. Brian? Makes you sound like a teacher. Good thing you were there for her.
I'm smiling.. it really doesn't take too much to make someone else's heart smile, does it? a little thought, kindness, compassion. I'm so thrilled she was thrilled about your signing her year book Mr Brian. :)
You made her day, Brian! Just some brief moments for you to sacrifice but a world of difference for her. Wonderful write!
Hank
You underestimate your power Poet...I'd be showing off that year book too...not all who walk among us can be held up as an example, but you can...and you've got a special smile on the face of a girl so happy to know you. She will smile long, and hopefully, be able to rise above those who are NOT examples..okay...a little weepy and still at work...you rock...touched my heart with this one.
Glad you were there for her, Brian.
And that you understand what it means.
=)
Such a small act can make a huge difference in someone's life. What a great way to show that Brian, excellent writing as usual.
Great capture of the time and subject, Brian. Your voice and a sweet sentiment. This made me smile... a lot.
~ j
Palm touch (*)
capturing the gaps brian
and fixing em fast for reflection
Nice that you take the time and recognize her importance. And yes, you should matter to her. You're Brian - famous poet and a really, really good person.
This is so touching....we never know how much we touch people, but it's the little things that make the difference...a lovely tender write. :)
A beautiful post. I can always imagine what you describe so vividly, like little stories in my mind.
smiles..you're just someone willing to listen and to see people and treat them with respect, regardless to title or talent...and that's what she feels..and everyone here in blogworld as well..just saying...and if i had a yearbook, you would be the first i would ask to sign it..smiles
I love this...I love the way you see and feel everyone..and as James said these moments plant such seeds...you have a gift here with words and in your life to touch others. Just great! :)
How simple the signing of a book, the recognition of a soul...what a difference a pen can make...blessings..bkm
Wonderfully moving, really nice read, some people just leave an impression on you don't they? And you on them no doubt...
Beautiful.
You never know whose life you touch or what a huge difference a simple, small gesture can make.
Awesome.
Jen
Brian, my brother, as the father of a SpecialK myself, I love this poem, and I love you for writing it. I don't get teary-eyed reading poetry very often, but this was one. I'm so glad you wrote this and am glad you signed her yearbook. Rock on, SpecialK, show the world who you are!
And all she wanted was someone to say "hey" You are one special person!
It's taking the time, the act of bothering, of making eye contact, of being willing to say hi that remind us we're all special. You connect so beautifully, as always.
You are such a good fellow, Brian. I'm glad that she asked and that you write (as I knew you would). So important to those who have those empty pages.
Sweet, empathetic story, well told. Like the "hidden" internal rhyme you threw in there too.
I love this, Brian. You are a good man.
I loved the slice of middle school life, and I had a friend much like you describe, a rumpled shuffle to a different drummer. Love the shook Coke line.
Brian, having a lot of "special K's" in my life, who I don't often write about (for privacy) this really made me smile. SHE is special and so are you for connecting with her and in you kind way letting her know just how truly special she is.
Good man...the future autographs you sign will be as a poet.
Wow ... this is a powerful poem... I love looking for and uplifting the downtrodden - because my school life was extremely rough, being picked on often 'eyes behind panes of glass' is an apt description of all the other students saw when they looked at me.
And you made her day by acknowledging her. That was an awesome write!
Agree with Timo above--your sig will be long adorning a poet's byline, my friend, with writing like this--human and always real.
Yes, she is special. And I'm sure she'll remember you and how you made her feel for a very long time. Kindness certainly counts - we never know how our interactions with others affects someone's life....for the best or the worst.
Brian, This is awesome! To take a moment to encourage those who might too easily be discouraged by the cruelty of others is such a gift - a high five to be remembered always when times are tough. I can hear the refrain even now in the halls of heaven: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Peace, Linda
and i find a blank space crowded by a blank space...
wow. brian, that was brilliant.
They're all special and so are you. A grand, celebratory poem, with an important message, too.
Those special teachers change lives. It was true for me, and it is definitely true for my kids.
Nice.
We can always hope that at least one person will remember us kindly.
I think she will. :)
…different world, but a raw one.
original. base. a world I'd left and forgotten for nigh 50 years.
side thought: which world IS real? why not both?
great piece of writing, catching a moment in time, and holding up for all to see….a world most of us forgot.
Your write reminded me of a very special teacher I had at a time when I was just a lost child---kudos to you Brian!
Indeed special, Brian. The girl. And you. Reminds me of a visit I did recently to a home/care facility for special needs kids. I learnt some lessons there, and these kids whose language I did not speak, were also truly special.
This poem has a wonderful flow and is so touching, it was easy to become absorbed by it.
You have just written about the fears I have for my sweetie-pie as she enters school, hoping that it will be different before she reaches middle school. Powerful poem. heidi (bigger than a lasagna)
What a sweetie you are. So kind to this girl. I bet it meant very much to her. More skools need kindness, the world needs more. I hope this inspires people to do such. An excellente voice for today as it was a gesture for yesterday.
Very nice poem, sweet scenario. Good on you both for the poem and for being nice. And you're right. She is special--so are you.
What Claudia says, resonates w. me. And as a teacher, it's most fulfilling to see that perhaps you touched someone in a way that brings light and hope into their lives. You obviously do that Brian. I'd want you to sign my yearbook too. :))
A wonderful, kind, tender poem. I loved finding a white space surrounded by white space.
loved it as always.. a pleasure to read!
Oh, you couldn't pay me to go back to those days.
You totally made her day. And mine, too. :)
"blank spaces crowded by blank spaces..." this and many other lines are outstanding. But how artfully you have demonstrated the necessity of simple humanity being offered from one to another. Outstanding.
I loved your poem Brian! I more people did the kind deed you did, we would all be in a happier world. This really resonates because it wasn't too long ago (ok a little longer than I like to say lol) that I was in that world. Thanks for your inspiring piece!
~Corbie Sinclair
Some fantastic images - lovely take on a rite of passage - love the details you bring out
love this. very touching. Great stuff.
This warms my heart and breaks it at the same time. You made her day. Smile.
This gave me goose pimples, Brian. You never know how those words will come back and help her to face whatever's ahead.
Honestly brutal...but there is a glimmer of hope here. Loved this and it really rings true with 9 days of school left.
I hated to ask people to sign..what if they had said no?
You're love of teaching and your students and your empathy shine through in the poem. Wonderful!
I just feel a little sad reading this... reminiscent perhaps of painful days in school hallways past. Oh tender and painful years. Thank God for you, Brian. I know you shine where you are.
Excellent write, Brian. Goes deep and gets real. Nice
aahhh dear Brian you described all so well :))
This is such a vivid portrait of those years some of us might rather forget. You bring her so alive in that one moment where we do indeed connect, strangers maybe except for those little informal moments that don't seem like much now but then made up a day maybe.
This is beautiful and full of grace.
You are a good man. And a wonderful poet.
I remember those days when having people sign a yearbook was so important; and if a teacher / other school adult signed, it was so very special. I know you are someone who recognizes the specialness of each kid.
I went to my grandson's end of school year picnic today. I took his sister, my granddaughter, too. He was so happy I came, and Mya and I ate lunch with him and his 2nd grade friends. I hope he is always happy I come to his school, that he never thinks it is uncool for his grandma to be there with/for him.
It seems I was always sought by those who were special..our school was so small and I took a lot of heat for befriending them, but I wouldn't change a thing...learned some of the most beautiful lessons from them...excellent write!!
pretty long list here, Brian, but I can wait in line:-) I work with children in Special Ed all day....sometimes I get immune to them. This was a precious picture of the who that they are--Somebodies.
You're a walking blessing to them and all the other students you touch.
(we're not out 'til June 20th...counting the days).
How lovely... moments and kind words change lives.
For all the SpecialK children out there, and for what this says, even without saying it - you deserve a high five.
So beautifully written. You're a good person, Brian.
Really nice sentiment here Brian. But I have to say, the play on words and possible metaphors here is layered nicely. The Special K, obviously the first thing I thought of was the drug, which is or at least was rampant in schools and while I kind of quickly dismissed it, the idea behind drugs, is basically a want, a drive, so as symbol, I can still see it, especially with the word smack used later in the piece. Then there's the cereal, which instantly came to mind, of course right? But I think the smacking, reminded me of that kelloggs character, I believe it was for sugar pops, can't remember. But the K, as in ok, I love that, as I never thought of it, until it appeared, yet, it's all conversation, poetry, in one way or another, so while fitting thematically, it added this extra layer for me as well. Great write. Thanks
Your work always has a realistic feel to it, one the reader can sink their thoughts into, that is part of why I like it so much, makes me think, nostalgic, almost, awesome! :)
Enjoyed this.. but way to far back to reminisce ;)
Well said Brian, a good message and well written which makes it fun
sweet, compassionate piece, Brian.
We need more teachers like you.
Lady Nyo
This made me sad and quite choked Brian.
Beautifully and sensitively written and you truly are someone willing to say hi, give high fives & recongnizes another human when he sees one...
We are all special and we surely need recognise that.
Respect.
Anna :o]
Nice one Sir as always...
JJRod'z
Ps. Thanks for the birthday greeting!...
Something special about special K. And that beats Kellogg's anytime. For real!
Adura x
Brian, this really brought back some memories--great words and could just see her walk, sundress and feel the angst of trying to say the right (write?) thing--nice!
Oh this brought back a far too old memory. There are exactly two teachers I asked to sign my middle school year book. The only two who who got through to me. Maybe like me, she only let the teachers that meant something to her sign. Perhaps being "just someone willing
to say hi, give high fives & recognizes another
human when he sees one---" was all she needed. That you recognize them (the students), as human beings when so many others just see another bunch of faces to get through the school year, is a gift. It's a gift that makes you someone special (at least to her), Ok?
Really very lovely. k.
Wonderful, sorry it took so long to get here, puppy rearing is exhausting :). I love these poems that explore why we should reach out.
This is so sweet, and the way I see you. Every time I submit something here, you say exactly what I wish for someone to say. You are a very kind soul.
very encouraging to know someone like you is very thoughtful of the well being of a young lady's future along with many others. This is great poem and one for educators to keep in.
"i am, no one, just someone willing
to say hi, give high fives & recognizes another
human when he sees one---"
How little it takes sometimes to make someone's day, huh? Heck Brian, I wonder if we all weren't awkward and self-conscious in our youth, I know I surely felt exactly the same. Maybe some were better at hiding it than others. Thoughtful capture, like it a lot.
i am envious of the moments and details of watching kids grow and move on that teachers experience. maybe one day i'll teach a class, but it would hardly be the same as being a regular, year after year personality. i remember that i would have never asked a teacher i didn't care about to ever sign my yearbook. someone else in this scene sounds pretty special too:)
Those are painful years. You did a good deed, sir. When you feel like no one loves you, anyone will do. And if it's you, at least she's safe.
My faves:
"hearts-less ...
& i find a blank space, crowded by blank space"
"& she crooked lines off"
SO cute:
"showing anyone
that will look, in her marbled mouth dialect,
how mr. brian signed her year book"
like the way this comes back full circle at the end, and your use of caps. :) in case a lot of people don't tell you this, you rock, b.
You are the teacher I loved. The one who saw something special in the chubby girl who walked on a cane (juvy arthritis). Who saw the butterfly bound by a cocoon of comments like "crip" and "gimp." I love all teachers, especially those who see the best in The Other Kids. Big high fives to you! Amy
I loved my time spent in the special education classroom. Beguiling and innocent. Glad you're there for so many.
A poem with feeling and vivid in its being that you get taken away with it
very touching. Even at my age I can see and appreciate what you're saying about small gestures potentially making a big difference to some kid who may be struggling - who knows what shit they've got going on? - but it's clear to me they're struggling while many of their peers are having what looks like the time of their lives in highschool or college. I've been (quasi) mentor now to enough young poets who ask me for help to tread carefully around what I say and give that encouragement. As you illustrate here - I'm no one really, but what I say may affect them greatly (or not)
You know for some reason this reminds me of a song from one of the more famous Czech artists - about a girl in school no one paid attention to, as she was bland, dull, boring looking. But she was a diamond in the rough and no one recognized this. Then when they met her at a reunion she was stunning and beuatiful and have lived a very interesting life.
Sometimes I feel I was that girl.;)
Always love to read your contemplative prose dear friend,
xoxo
kids have their way of behaving, even just the way you had them say hi "givin hi fives" i mean, people don't introduce themselves like that at a conference, at a biz meeting...
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