Saturday, August 31, 2013

In gratitude to Tom O'Brien

Dear Tom,

     Thank you for being my teacher.  Actually, I think of you as one of my mothers.  You nourished me, daily feedings that helped me discover how a mind learns and grows. You introduced me to Piaget and helped me weave a beautiful tapestry of understanding and knowledge about thinking and learning.
     A box of graham crackers was a math lesson and so was a game of find the diamond.  I loved later being able to work with you.  Together we inspired kids to use their logical intelligence.  Under your leadership, I was able to get kids involved in mathematical arguments.  You taught me about co-teaching and how to share what I was learning.
    Thank you for believing in me, providing support that helped me build confidence, get published, and have the knowledge I needed to convincely share a perspective that would create a better learning environment for kids.
     And thank you for asking me to speak at your memorial service.  It was hard to keep from crying.  You are forever in my heart and in my highest esteem.  I hope that your hands are still helping others learn through my hands.

Yours,
Chris 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

August 28

On a hot summer night
turn on the house fan
sleep naked
sleep alone
windows open wide
that way
you can
smell the water in the air
hear the cicadas chirping in the night
the rhythm of their songs
and fall asleep with a
smile.

Monday, August 19, 2013

today
Lily grabbed the shopping cart
holding onto the
side
as she has done
for so many years
having been taught
at the age of two
now eighteen
still safe on the
parking lot
so
much
love

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

a poem about today
when I got to come
to my home and
eat a dinner of
fried eggplant, onion, and feta
on a sandwich
sitting on the front porch,
plate on top of old bird poop
mostly washed off by rain
hearing the sound
of a pileated woodpecker
rhythmically beating,
then
baking exactly six
chocolate chip cookies
while enjoying fresh coffee
from my new french press,
alone
but not alone
knowing
there is
always enough love