Words That Break My Heart And Words That Make My Heart Sing

I did my poetry lesson today--the "I Am From  . . ." poetry prompt. You may remember the one I created to model for the students. I explained that 14-year olds and 44-year olds have one big thing in common--both ages are known for their tendency to engage in self-reflection and self-analysis.

I explained that your "I Am From .  . ."  poem will change with each year of your life and maybe more frequently than that. I told them that while I wrote my poem to be quite raw and honest, they could write at whatever level they were comfortable with. As I did last week, I gave them the opportunity at the end to either read theirs to the class, have me read it (keeping it anonymous) to the class or keep it private.

To say I was blown away with how receptive they were and what they created would be an understatement. I was moved almost to tears several times. In the spirit of the Matron's "Actual Student E-mails," here are some snippets that, while not their exact words, convey the intent and the beauty with which they wrote.

I am from violence in my childhood, threats and beatings
I am a young girl growing up that doesn’t want the same life for other young children on earth

I am from many siblings and plentiful family. I am from moving from school to school, randomly.

I am from hard times and heart aches.

I am from gang and drug life. I am from marriage and divorce. I am from love and hate.

I am from a fruit trying to be delicious and good from the inside.

I am from shelters that feel like the labor camps of 1940.

There are people who try to put me down then there’s the people that help me up and give me strength for a brighter future.

I am from knowing that what makes me happy isn't really the best for me.

The part that made my heart sing? "Mrs. Juggling, I wish we could do poetry with you every day." Me too.

Comments

[JCK]

Jenn, you are going to be an amazing teacher. You already are. Thanks for sharing a little of these wonderful pieces with us. They are special.

[mrs. g.]

AWESOME. I can tell you are going to be one of the cool teachers!

[kcinnova]

I can tell you are making a difference in their lives.

[Deb D]

Those are great. I think you are a gifted teacher.

[Suzanne]

WOW. This is great Jenn...My heart breaks for those kids, but you seem to be giving some of them a bright spot in their day...possibly in their life. Keep up the good work.

[jenrantsraves]

Hell, I wish I could take poetry class with you everyday!

[HIlary]

Just beautiful. I remember my younger son doing this poem in middle or high school and he, of seemingly little sentiment, blew me away with his words too.

But this one.. is just so tender. "I am from a fruit trying to be delicious and good from the inside." What a wonder that child is.

[Heather]

I love the "I am from fruit..." line. That is one we could all live by.

I see you are a follower of Angie’s blog, Keep Believing. We have set up a way for friends and family to help from a distance. Please check out http://keepbelievingfund.blogspot.com/ if you’d like.

[Lori]

Ah, the shelter one breaks my heart. I want to scoop that child up and take them home.

[Blognut]

You are a going to rock the school! Good for you.

[Smalltown Mom]

Heartbreaking and beautiful.

[Little Miss Sunshine State]

Those students will remember you.

[Gladys]

Wow! Just Wow.

Maybe you have an EE Cummings in there.

[Janet]

sad and beautiful, all at the same time!

[Asthmagirl]

How beautiful they are where it counts, on the inside.

[notjustbarbra]

Wow. Those are amazing kids.

[green girl]

What a cool assignment for all of you!

[Vallen]

Aren't kids just amazing despite or because of where they are from? And hardly a one isn't lovable.

[Heidi]

Wow, those are beautiful and sad. It's so nice of you to let them keep them private if they want. It probably helps some open up more if they know it's only you who will read the poem.
I like your poem too.

[Angela]

This was so great for them. I bet writing these things down helped many of your students.

[imom]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that with us. Really puts things in perspective.

[Manic Mommy]

Those are heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[Jessica bern]

Heartbreaking. You know, these kids didn't choose to come into this world and it breaks my heart to hear them write/say these things. You are amazing

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

I am gobsmacked by the power and clarity these students communicate. They must have a good teacher to bring it out in them.

[farmers.wife]

That's beautiful!

[Reluctant Blogger]

Yes, you are clearly good at inspiring your students, Mrs Juggling and getting them to think and open up.

Maybe if I had had you as my teacher I too might enjoy poetry?

[CC]

Wow. I'm so surprised the kids could think deep enough to put these things into words. Sad, yet enlightening. My students are from all these same things.

[Just Jamie]

Wow Jenn. Clearly you are doing some amazing things with some amazing young people.

[Minnesota Matron]

These are haunting! If only actual student emails were so nicely done --well, wait a minute. Then I wouldn't get to have so much fun! Truly, love these snippets. Both sad and hopeful.

[ms_teacher]

It is amazing what our students live through. When people knock education, it tells me that they truly do not understand that life today is so much different.

[Jennifer H]

Amazing. You, and them.

[Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING]

How awesome to make an impact on that child's life. Those are heart breaking.

KEEP BELIEVING

[wenderina]

So good. I am from lost for words.

[Baby Favorite]

That is amazing. They are so blessed to have you in their lives. Reminds me of something that teacher from "Freedom Writers" would have done with her students...