I have not blogged in a long while and I need to make a more concerted effort to write more instead of working. I keep debating whether or not I should post my thoughts on surviving thyroid cancer and adjusting to all that that entails (my meds seem to affect me, or rather, when I forget to take them, my students notice a difference). I seem to start many entries and then I don't finish them because I dwell too much on life. So, here's to starting small... and anew...
Luckily, I have the opportunity to teach creative writing once again this year, for the first time in three years. It's been a bit of a struggle, since the students that were placed in the class didn't originally "elect" to take this elective. I appreciate all the students who have remained because they have found value in what I'm trying to teach them. I just need to continue to work with them to learn how to constructively critique each other.
Today's class exercise is to write a Triolet, a French form...
and as with most things I've been writing, one theme dominates my hand...
I
Cancer provided a huge wake up call
Reminding me I still have much to do.
The doctors try their best to stall
Cancer. Provided a huge wake up call,
By showing me the writing on the wall.
The sickness is gone, I must start anew
Cancer provided a huge wake up call
Reminding me I still have much to do.
II
Illness makes the world seem right
For your soul is purged of wrong.
The blood flows with new cells white
Illness makes the world seem right
Though your body frail and light
Your heart continues to beat strong
Illness makes the world seem right,
For your soul is purged of wrong.
III
Schools celebrate red ribbon week
To remind us to steer clear of drugs
For they damage the strong and meek
Schools celebrate red ribbon week
To spite the temptation many seek
And avoid the accidental wayward slugs
Schools celebrate red ribbon week
To remind us to steer clear of drugs.
