one child
one child
Is sweet one minute, then defiant the next.
That just doesn't seem to care.
Is negative in thinking, glass always half empty.
That I struggle and fight to connect to daily.
one child
With no one to count on.
A dad in prison and life on the run.
A constant uphill battle,
Full of confusions and lies.
one child
Can life get any tougher?
Can he carry any more baggage?
one child
Is sweet one minute, then defiant the next.
That just doesn't seem to care.
Is negative in thinking, glass always half empty.
That I struggle and fight to connect to daily.
one child
With no one to count on.
A dad in prison and life on the run.
A constant uphill battle,
Full of confusions and lies.
one child
Can life get any tougher?
Can he carry any more baggage?
Can you understand why he doesn't seem to care?
Can you even begin to blame him?
one child
I'm easily frustrated by his choices.
I'm constantly redirecting, refocusing, reminding.
I close my eyes and take deep breaths
To remember what his life is like.
one child
I want to make the difference.
I want this child to know.
I'm here for you.
I'm listening.
one child
One teacher....sometimes that's what they need. One teacher who believes. One teacher who cares. One teacher who shows them the way. You are that teacher.
ReplyDeleteDeb
I love Deb's response. One Teacher. How luck One Child has you!
ReplyDeleteBOnnie
Deb's response says it. Thank you for being the one teacher who takes the time to nurture this child.
ReplyDeleteYou do make a difference, not only in this child's life, but in every child that you work with. Sometimes, we can only plant a seed and pray that it will be nourished. I pray that your seed will grow within the little boy. You are a great teacher!!! Love ya M
ReplyDeleteAhhh - great words for that child. I know you're making a difference - but there's no way to see it. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteSo so true, how often we say the baggage that some of these kids come to us with most adults would not be able to handle. For a lot of these kids, the best part of the day is here at school...and that's true because of teachers/people like you!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are that 'one teacher' Michelle. The fact that you are still expecting him to be his best self is both loving and respectful to him. You may be one of the best models he has. Best wishes to you in your worries and work with this little boy.
ReplyDeleteYour poem shows how much you care, how you can put your frustrations on the side and focus on this one child.
ReplyDeleteVery powerful poem, it makes me step back and look at each child and wonder what is there life like away from me. The children under your wing are lucky indeed.
ReplyDeleteWe hope, we pray, that we can make a real difference in the life of each child. We may not catch them all, but if we keep trying we'll have an impact, right?
ReplyDeleteI like the framework you used on the poem, especially the simple, powerful way you ended it.
What a powerful poem! It's obvious that you are just the kind of teacher this one child needs. Thanks for the reminder to "close my eyes and take deep breaths / to remember what his life is like." Really neat!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job writing your frustration and your devotion. If only it were really just, "one child" that makes us feel this way. Very powerful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteone child
ReplyDeletewell thought out and powerful
making the difference to one child
One teacher is enough.
ReplyDeleteI love when you share your poetry with us.
Ruth
I agree with Deb that one teacher can make all the difference in the world to that one student. Thanks for this lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a powerful poem. I agree with Deb as well! You are making a difference for that child whether you see it or not. The student will remember you!
ReplyDeleteYou care and understand the life this child faces.
ReplyDelete