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| photo via Unsplash |
Twenty Questions in Three Voices With No Answers
Can I sleep in every day?
Can I play video games all day?
Who will take care of me?
How will I feed my children?
Who will care for them?
What if I lose my job?
Who will feed and care for my students?
How will we fill this gap in their learning?
How can we help?
Why are they taking away all the fun things?
How come we can't have our carnival?
Why is this happening?
How will I feed my children?
Who will care for them?
What if I lose my job?
How will we fill this gap in their learning?
Will testing season be cancelled?
How can we help?
How can we help?
How can we help?
©Mary Lee Hahn, 2020
At this point, I know as much as you do. Ohio schools are closed for three weeks starting Monday. It will be relatively easy for me -- no child care, internet access, lots of books to read, a garden to tend, a sorely neglected house to clean, art supplies, writer's notebook, April Poetry Month project to concoct. But for our families...
There's nothing we can do right now except wait and see. Will we be required to provide distance learning? Will our students have the support to do any of the activities we send home? How will our free/reduced lunch children be fed? How can we help?
I've missed the Poetry Friday community for the past few weeks. I cleared the last of my big hurdles this week with the publishing of the Casting for Recovery Ohio online auction. Check it out and bid, if you're so moved!
This week's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. Thanks, Matt! And good luck with Madness!Poetry.
I posted about questions, too - in a different way. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly where I am too. Denver Public Schools is closed for three weeks starting on Monday too. And all I can picture is my middle school kiddos at home "babysitting" (playing endless rounds of Fortnite) while their parents are still at work cleaning hotels, etc.
ReplyDeleteI should have said, "Exactly where I am but you said it much more articulately!"
ReplyDeleteYes, this is certainly a time of questions with no answers. Sigh. Like you, my situation is relatively "easy," but uncertainty isn't easy for anyone... and for those of us who carry the world in our hearts - it's a tough time. We'll get through it together. xo
ReplyDeleteSo many questions we all have...but as Irene said, we'll get through it together!
ReplyDeleteYes, your poem says it all. The uncertainty and the unknowns are what make this situation so trying. In times of hardship, though, Americans pull together.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is how it feels, so many questions, with few answers in sight.
ReplyDeleteOh, the constancy of those parental questions...Everyone is in such a heightened state of anxiety here and our schools are still open. I can't imagine how stressful it is there. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSo many questions and so few answers. I'm like you with a computer, wifi, and a good book, I'll be fine. What about our kids? our parents? our own families? I think this community is a wonderful support system at this time.
ReplyDeleteSome are trying to have answers ready, though for those families who rely on the care of school and after during the day, it's so hard. Denver Schools are continuing to provide food 2 x a day, for anyone who comes, but they have to get there. And there's no after care, of course. You've written it right!
ReplyDeleteThe three voices of your poem capture the anxiety of all those unanswered questions. And your caring for your students comes through loud and clear.
ReplyDeleteYes. Like you, I am blessed with plenty to fill my time...especially the sorely neglected house that needs cleaning. I was struck by the looks of dismay on faces of kids that had their whole world turned upside down yesterday. I went into immediate re-assurance mode for the few minutes we had at dismissal. But, I worry about my kids at home without the steadiness of school. I too...have so many questions.
ReplyDeleteOh, Mary Lee. Thank you for sharing the voices of children, parents, and teachers in this questioning poem. Your caring and concern is a big part of a comfort, even if not a practical answer. Still, the answer is always love, and yours shines through here. Sending good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteQuestions are all we have it seems. Here in Switzerland it is no better unfortunately. It all weighs so heavily. Sending you and your students good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these heartfelt probing questions/thoughts that are begging for answers-but may not be there. I would agree with Laura love and compassion I hope will persevere throughout. I think some of the big kids, i.e. college students are having trouble now too. Like one's abroad that had to be pulled back or my daughter who was doing two internships in NYC–they are ready to spread their wings but being clipped in action. Thanks Mary Lee
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, your poem focuses on the tough questions that are on educators' minds around the country. NYC Mayor DeBlasio is trying to deal with the tough question of what happens to the Title 1 children who depend on the schools for 2 meals per day. Questions-no answers-a lot of doubt! Thanks for sharing all of this and good luck with your auction.
ReplyDeleteSocially distant hugs! These are hard, hard questions.
ReplyDeleteI just was talking with a friend from Singapore who described that they have been able to keep schools open for the past six weeks with certain strict measures in place. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has extended their school closures again and again. Who knows what's in store for us, but it's hard not to fear the worst based on our government's ineptitude. Looks like Miranda (who's a senior) is going to have a pretty messed up end to her HS career.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, you capture so many of the anxieties children and families are feeling. I know how much you and other educators are worried about your students.
ReplyDelete