Soaring

Trumpeter Swan over Martin Lake
Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Today was one of those days that class took flight, creatively. First of all, we had sun shining on campus. Talk about a transformation. In Cleveland, sun is cause for major celebration. As I walked toward the 9:30 a.m. class, my mind floated between the planned and the unplanned. Do I figure out a way for this writing class to work outside? Or do I stay with the predictable, planned activity--an in-class review of selected literary criticism?

The sun and creative impulse won out.

After covering some necessary reminders, I set the class loose. But just before, we read three poems without comment: "ABC" by Robert Pinsky, "Swan and Shadow" by John Hollander, and "in Just" by e.e. cummings (which no one seemed to have read before, to my surprise). We had weeks of poetry early in the semester. I believe that at least some of it has settled in the subconscious.

Then, I gave the group 25 minutes to seek inspiration and write a poem -- either in the form of one of the three we had just read or their own form. I said, "when you come back, I don't want to have to beg for participation." Then I opted to stay in and guard the backpacks so that my students could depart with a free mind and less to carry.

The poems created were excellent and varied in tone in content. But more than a few captured the mood of the day...and their mixed feelings about this phase in their lives. The poems could be the beginning of a student's anthology on spring and other topics. After the first poem was read aloud, the class spontaneously applauded...and each effort earned applause.

If students experience inspiration and find words to channel it...they'll have grown not only in skill but in heart. In watching them soar, I remembered what a great privilege it is to teach.

Still Afloat

Arctic Loon on Water (Gavia arctica)

Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

I have been away from this blog for quite some time. The beginning of the academic year kicked in, and there was no turning back from grading, class preparation, and connecting with students.

I think I hit my creative peak here in the heart of summer at precisely the point when income plummets.

Perhaps this summer I should learn from ducks adept at diving for snails and other food. Keep treading water, stay mindful, and look nonchalant...life forms of some type are sure to manifest sooner or later.

In one month, I have lost two cherished first cousins...one local and several decades older than me...she was a Holocaust survivor...and the other, in Germany, just a few years older than me. My cousin in Germany had suffered a serious surgical mishap while pregnant nearly 24 years ago and became disabled. Her teaching career was over. Nevertheless, she found a way to stay creative even with limited use of one arm. My local cousin carried her anguished history very privately but had extraordinary creative gifts as well...In memory of both, I am giving a small gift to Notre Dame College's Tolerance Center.

My family is dispersed, and the numbers are further declining; it is very possible to be lonely. A former student of mine, Olive Robinson, told me that she made the whole world her family when she lost both parents at an early age. That is admirable.