Tag Archives: Education

Just try not to get into this song

Posted on October 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

An awesome song to honor educators everywhere on World Teachers’ Day, whether you teach spelling, music, or how to be a better citizen of the world!

Q and not U – “Soft Pyramids”

Leave a comment

Posted in Education, Music

Tagged , , , , ,

I Think in Lists and Poems

Posted on July 26, 2012 | 2 comments

I think in lists and poems (and stories). Today it is a list:

5 Hip Hop Artists that Can Help You Cultivate PMA*

1) K’NAAN

“Wavin’ Flag” – “When I get older, I will be stronger!” Must do more yoga…

“Better” – “You can count on this – I’m only getting better!”  I don’t like to gamble but “I’m betting all my chips!”

“Take a Minute” – “I got nothing to complain about.” Really? Wow. I’m working on that one!

“Dreamer” – “It’s OK to feel good!” Now isn’t that the truth?

2) NAS

“I Can” – “If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be!”  Also includes this gem: “Read more, learn more, change the globe.”  That’s what I’m talking about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUqLGRMrFAg

3) CHIDDY BANG

“Mind Your Manners” (feat. Icona Pop) – “There is no one like me!” Or you…

“Nothing on We” – “This is for the people that’s chasing they dreams.” We can all be heroes to the kids!

4) MOS DEF

“Umi Says” – “Shine your light for the world to see!” Amen!

5) LUPE FIASCO

“Go Baby” – Don’t we all need someone to root  for us and say,

“You’re my sure-fire, superstar, sure-shot, firecracker extravaganza, fantastic, super-size with extra cheese

You best believe”?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnHIqa5SFcM

“The Show Goes On” –  Love that he gives a shout out to “the teachers not scared” to tell the kids that the world is theirs!

“Never Forget You” – “Best foot forward with every step
And let’s push towards it, never regress!”  Regressing = bad news

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeQxvkNDwzo&feature=related

* PMA = Positive Mental Attitude,  for those of you who haven’t seen Breaking Bad, Season 5, Episode 1

 

2 Comments

Posted in Lists, Music

Tagged , , , , , , ,

For My Teacher

Posted on July 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Remember that sonnet
Of mine
That ended up being about
A rabbit

Still waters run deep
You wrote to me

Dark hair in a messy bun
Glasses perched
On the end of your nose

Gesturing wildly
Always made you look
Beautiful and passionate

How can you know
How much you inspired me?

Leave a comment

Posted in Music, Poetry

Tagged , , , ,

Sweet Bea

Posted on July 12, 2012 | 1 comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step outside the back door
To a world that is bright and brisk
Pink petals
Lining the dirt path
Bea has made from
Running
And
Running
In circles around the house
Fast
No grass has a chance
Of growing there.

Plop down on the handed-down
backyard swing
Without so much as a
Look!
Jump up to brush off
Debris
Just leaves and twigs
No slimy slugs this time
Who knew
The dampness would have taken such a toll?

Shiver one too many times
Put up my hood
My back adorned with the stars and stripes
The name of the school
Where I taught
and laughed
and always had a song in my head.
<We’re responsible, we’re respectful, and we’re safe – Hey, we’re the best!>

Finally she comes running
To the back where I am
Almost runs past me
Does a double take
And then comes over
Ears back, restlessly pacing
Pressing her backside into my legs
Wanting
Needing
Comfort.
What is going on at the front of the house that I can’t see?
What dangers are lurking that I am unaware of?

Now she has a beloved stick in her mouth
Ready to play
The danger has passed
For the moment
She lies down to chew her stick
Peel the rough bark off
(Good job, Sweet Bea
You are your own doggie dentist!)
Now I know she is relaxed and
I can do the same.

Suddenly hungry. Need to feed
My body
And mind
And soul.
Which comes first?

Pause on the back step
Turn around
Tip my head back and look
Toward the brightness
On cue
The clouds part
And I close my eyes to the sun
As my world turns red.

1 Comment

Posted in Music, Poetry

Tagged , , ,