First let me say, I'm not even sure what to write as I put these words on the page. I just know that I have to get them out there because this is part of my verse.
Walt Whitman is one of my favorite poets. So much so that I named one of my cats after him. I first read Leaves of Grass as a freshman in high school, and his words have forever been imprinted on my soul. In fact, Walt Whitman is one of the reasons I pursued an English degree in college.
When I presented at inservice last week, I talked a little about legacy and what we want to teach the world. Students returned back to school this week, and I, too, was forced with the decision about what I want to teach the world. Since then, this line from Walt Whitman's "O Me! O Life!" has replayed over and over in my mind. It's almost constantly there in my day to day motions like my own personal motivational coach. It's given me many mixed emotions.
Growing up, there were many times I felt hopeless, that nothing in this life would ever be right for me. If it wasn't for a teacher who encouraged me, who helped me see where there could be hope, I do not think I would be here today. Many of the students I have taught and will teach this year come from homes where there is no hope. Where no one has told them that there even is hope in this world, and that this hope lives inside each of our voices. It's the flame (no matter how small) we carry inside of us that we matter and we can make a difference.
With this I have the answer to my question: I want my verse to be about igniting this hope in others. I want to teach the world that even in the darkest of moments we carry this hope within us. That we are powerful beyond measure, and it is hope that gives us this strength.