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| photo via Unsplash |
Here is the version we know and love. At the same time I was using this as a mentor text, my students and I were delving into "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost. I think I understand WCW's poem better for reading it alongside Frost, and I think the two poems can be a text set.
by William Carlos Williams
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
Here's my version:
This Is Just To Say -- I'm Retiring
by Mary Lee Hahn, 2021
I have taught
many decades
mostly in
this district
and now
you are probably
planning
for next year
Remember
this work is important
so energizing
and so necessary
Yup. I'm done. I have eaten the plums and they were delicious. Spring break begins tomorrow, and after next week, forty more days of being a teacher. It still seems a bit unreal.
I'm looking forward to hosting the First Friday of Poetry Month here next week. I'm really sorry about the hassles of this blog's endless loading. I've tried everything I can to fix it. Thanks in advance for your patience.
Susan has this week's Poetry Friday roundup at Soul Blossom Living.
The work is important. Thank you for all you have brought to it. Soon, maybe selfishly, I see you with a lot of time for poetry. Wishing you all the best in your final weeks and your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I'm happy for you and for us, because I know there will be lots more wonderful poetry. And lots of new and amazing adventures. And then I'm sad because I can't imagine my life without your teaching brilliance! Sending lots of love this morning!
ReplyDeleteI saw your news on FB, wish you the best last 40 days, Mary Lee. Your poem does fit "deliciously".
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your last days at school; I know you have many more worthy adventures ahead. It makes me smile to think of the hundreds of students who were lucky enough to learn with you. Thank you for all your dedication and innovation through the years (I still wish I could be in your class). :)
ReplyDeleteHooray and Congratulations! This work IS so important. You've held up the side high and well. I've been impressed and inspired many times by your teaching recounting. Enjoy the celebrations on the countdown to summer.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's energizing - but retirement sounds great, too! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteForty days! The blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee you have created a great analogy for your teaching career. Every stop is a place to start... I look forward to hearing of your next life project. Congratulations on your sustained efforts to be an advocate for learners.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 40 years of energizing and important and necessary work.
ReplyDelete