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Open Poetry #29
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Error Messages and Poetry (hanky may be needed)
| Open Poetry #29 |
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Error Messages and Poetry (hanky may be needed) |
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Patricia Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160Missouri 
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Thanks to my mentor (you know who you are) for the early morning edit. Error Messages and Poetry She sat in my classroom, a petite sophomore with voice to match. Her English II class, embarking on its first “real” research paper, listing internal citations, works cited page... every semi colon and hyphen in its place, this, to be, a proper work. Today, the last day students could visit my lab before two drafts and final copy were due. Frenzy filled my classroom air, as young wordsmiths hurriedly knitted together sentence fragments, looping, then stitching their handiwork. She sat in my classroom, quietly, unassumingly... one of those we don't notice easily, as I moved quickly from student to student, assisting each raised hand, navigating through chairs astray and book bags amiss. However, an unexpected error message was cause for pause. This was my call and my calling. She didn’t ask for my help, no high of hand, no beseeching eyes, but that didn’t preclude me from offering assistance. Upon my request, she flipped pages with mouse clicks. Soon, a sigh of relief was released from us both as the last page of her document appeared dark against a white screen. Then, quite unexpected... Poetry. “Who is the author?” I asked with hopeful excitement that she would admit these eight short lines was the work of her mind to hand to keys. Modest denial swept her face in faint smile and slight blush. “May I?” wanting so to read her lines. She struggled with my question, but not the sort to defy authority, she permitted my petition. By hesitant whisper, she granted my wish. With each line I read, I heard the angels sing louder, prouder. As I look away from the screen, she looked upon this face, her instructor's face, searching for signs of any mark she had left upon this reader. And when she saw the single tear fall from my eye... She knew She had. |
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| © Copyright 2003 Patricia A. Plotz - All Rights Reserved | |||
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
Most teachers are a pox suffered by the young some few are gifts from god clearly you are one |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Patricia, A delightful write to read, enjoyed. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Good morning, Dear Patricial! Your poem gave me tingles of the highest order! God bless both you and your student! That was a divine moment. One that neither you nor your student--nor any reader of your poem!--shall soon forget.  Poetry touches lives--and so does a good teacher!  EA |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
This speaks to more than a promising student, poetry, or a gifted teacher who recognizes an unraised hand. However, the combination of all three, will create more than a lifetime's memories. The young poet will grow, her poetry will please more than one, and the teacher...she will have done more than her job. She will have nourished yet another life. You created a memory, that will stand the test of time. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Patricia~ This is excellent~ I remember when my son told me he want to teach ... to impact lives~ Clearly, this is what you have done~  *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost, |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
People such as this teacher are few and far between in our lives... But they leave such an impact.. they are never, ever forgotten. Beautiful keeper of a piece here. ~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~ ~I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before~ |
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Tim Senior Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 1794 |
enjoyed muchly. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggssssssssss) And the fact you ahve left me crying here is living proof that your poetry touches me deeply too! (smiles) This brought me back three and a half years ago when I was 16 and my sophomore English teacher Mr. Ernewein discoered my literary strength and read my first poem and it touched him deeply and why I keep writing now! (sigh) My dream is to become a teacher and touch the childrens' hearts, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Patricia, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Oh my...and as the chills and bumps subside, so does a tear.. Very well written Pat... Love this one... |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Patricia, I echo everything the ones before me said. You had me right there watching as the teacher took the students hand and gently led her....in so many ways.... What a gift you have, my friend. Thank you for sharing this memory.  Hugs Ethel |
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EvocativeVerse2 Senior Member
since 2003-09-10
Posts 1279 |
This belongs at the top of the list. Back it goes. You just reminded me of my grade 12 English professor. If not for him...well it doesn't need to be said. Billiant piece. Loved it! Remember, if you're not part of the future, you're history! |
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SharaRose Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2501Somewhere out there~ |
Tears...Well you were right...I gotta go get a tissue. wow...this is so sweet. Wow! Love, Terri~  |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Bravo! Speechless. TD |
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