TEACHER CONTRIBUTIONS

Inside Out

By Vickie Pleus

I lie, facing the sky. Clouds move swiftly, I feel like it’s me. But I Am

Motionless. My insides churn the decision; the clouds overstay their welcome. I sigh, closing my eye. Sleep envelopes me quickly, I feel like it’s death. But I Am

Timeless. My outside seeks peace; I smile and say, “welcome.” Life, inside out, As I lie, facing the sky.

A dumb thought on a Tuesday, and in case I die.

By Courtney Hanks

If I leave you too soon, know you should always sit in the front row in class – and you should take care of your skin and drink water, though you know I don’t. (Or didn’t.)

Know that you will spend half your childhood trying to fit in and the other half trying to figure yourself out but it’s okay to like what you like, and love what you loveand be happy, okay?

Be happy because there are such things as fireflies and rain and birds that will sing – be happy because life is so short – and so beautiful –and you are unbelievably precious. (Hold that.)

One day you will have someone you look at and think there are stars in some people – like sunshine that will warm you. (Burn you.) And that is beautiful, too. However long it lasts. Float in those oceans in you because they are so precious, too. And it’s all an adventure.

Your life requires your participation and I want magic for youglistening iridescent behind your irises; I want mysteries that cause you to smirk or frown and laugh with your whole body. And don’t get tired of life –

It’s so precious.

I squeeze your father’s hand - or behind his shoulder - as I say, these are the good days. You play in the sand or on the floor or in the bath or just stand there, making us fall in love.

I flinch as I see this play out like a Hallmark movie, or else all the books I’ve read.

I see how my present tense becomes a worn photo of us two and people will say – they will say how pretty I was and how much I loved you.

Looking in, it’s the kind of movie that moves toward tragedy.

I’ve seen this film, and I don’t want to light up rooms, standing still in the past tense. Someone you think of when you look at your hands and wonder if they look like mine.

I wish for a different conflict, and instead I will spend my life running my hands through your hair while I whisper; You have stars that glitter behind your eyes – I cannot look away.