Something had to be done. The majority of my fourth grade girls had been singing “My Favorite Things,” loudly and off-key for a good minute now. I took a deep breath and approached the throng clustered around a poetry book that contained the lyrics. My students, singers and non-singers alike, eyed me with cautious curiosity. … Continue reading Tales from the Fourth Grade: Sing, Sing a Song
Ephemeral Impressions
Dear Peruse and Muse readers: Today my entry will be different as I share some happy news in regards to my writing. I have been accepted at https://channillo.com/ to publish a series of poetry. My series is called Ephemeral Impressions (https://channillo.com/series/ephemeral-impressions/) and will be going live on Wednesday, April 10. If you have enjoyed my … Continue reading Ephemeral Impressions
Ode to Anoles
Small and downy soft,Glassy, unblinking black eyes,Lengthy tail of green, Scampering around,Pink tongue jutting from white teeth,Hunting for insects,Basking in the light,or jumping from branch to branch,Cooling in the shade,My little anolesalways make my day brighterand my life richer.
Out on a Limerick
"I don't get what I'm supposed to do," one of my middle school boys whined. "You're writing two haiku, one about nature, the other in riddle form, and then you're writing a limerick," I reiterated my previous instructions. Because it's not teaching unless you repeat yourself 47 times during the course of an hour. "How … Continue reading Out on a Limerick
What’s in a Name?
This past week I had my older students make acrostics from their names. Despite being reticent to writing poetry, they enjoyed making the acrostics. I think they're starting to see that poetry doesn't have to have a rhyme scheme or a certain meter. So in lieu of any profound article or poem this week, here … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
All I Need
Jealousy rips through me as I see others with what I want. Emptiness invades me as I think of what I don't have. Self-pity envelops me like a heavy pall, Until I remember where I find my true worth and Strength: not in me, not in relationships, but in you. Contrite heart and broken spirit, … Continue reading All I Need
Pedants and Platitudes: Valentine’s Edition
"Remember to get your loved one something special this Valentine's Day." "Hey, Mister Ad Announcer, what if I don't have anyone?" "Sorry, Valentine's Day isn't meant for single people." "Oh good. So I don't have to celebrate it." "That's not true! Anyone can celebrate the day! What about your students? They deserve a Valentine's Day … Continue reading Pedants and Platitudes: Valentine’s Edition
A Guide to Self-Preservation*
The key to self-preservation is not to look at his azure eyes or his aquiline nose or his lips--hell, just don't look. Chewing your finger only solves half of the problem. Your mouth might be distracted, but your mind is still engaged. Doodling is rather preoccupying...You drew another heart, didn't you? Damn it, you did! … Continue reading A Guide to Self-Preservation*
Coffee*
He'san acquiredtaste, like a strong, black coffee: bold and hot, with an acerbic aftertaste, prone to scald if taken in too quickly. The kind of coffee that people pour in copious amounts of sugar and creamer, in the deluded hope of masking the bitterness. Butno amount of sweetness, usually of the mollycoddling and … Continue reading Coffee*
Peruse and Muse 