grip that bible harder

grip that bible harder

 

 

erudition 

a backboard blackboard

chalky projectiles

crowd the dark engagement

 

the teacher wears 

a hospital gown

instructs from a coma

"Where have all the flowers gone?"

 

to smithereens

why do blue people

hate black-eyed susans---

cause the sun to set

 

in mid-afternoon

remote learning that never quite

connects to harsh hearts

the final flunked unfailingly.

 

 

erin-cilberto

8/25/2020

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers everyone ...
Seems like the whole world has been at war for the past few months and now fresh troops are needed for the front lines.
The enemy is a sneaky b*****d that respects no one. Not sure how remote learning can possibly work but I guess it will be used more and more ... and what of families who have no access to computers or the internet?
Good one j. from the erudite mind of an educator.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

but even the fresh troops are tired now.
Yes, very tough for families who have no computers or internet, they are out of luck.
But it is basically unsafe in most schools as students won't follow the social distancing or mask wearing...and thus...we are in the predicament we are.
Thank you for your words, Ted.

[Dave]

I thank goodness I'm retired from the classroom. But I'm fearful for my wife and daughter who are going back to teaching in just a few days. In both of their respective districts, the board of education still hasn't decided `exactly how they are going to go about it. It's bad enough to worry about the children, but teachers are a very valuable resource.
Take care - everyone - Dave

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, we need to protect teachers as well as students...or hope to.
I hope your wife and daughter stay safe.
thank you, Dave,
j.

[Dave]

And thanks to you. - Jacob

[barleygirl]

First I read your poem, then all your reviews, & a scary vision accosted me. What if we can never return to "real" in-person schooling (not to mention general socializing) & so our population becomes increasingly badly informed (or informed by those with more & more evil intentions) . . . well, you can guess the rest. Thank you for tossing a snake in my coffee this morning (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, I can guess the rest...scary yes, but it just is now.
the smiles are decreasing.
thank you,
j.

[Ana Papaya]

I'm struggling with remote learning too. Kids are going back to classrooms in September but I've opted to keep mine home. It's not the same, I know. But we'll adapt.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Safer to keep them at home...right now life is more important than education.
thanks, Ana,read moreSafer to keep them at home...right now life is more important than education.
thanks, Ana,
j.

[adornoscousin]

Ohh...As a teacher, much of this resonates with me. The remote learning touches on so many issues with social distancing and just human connection in general

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and lack of human connection, unfortunately...
so sad...I always hated the idea of online classes and the idea, God Forbid, of teaching one.
But now out of necessity I have tried to adapt...and the preference is to stay at home and stay safe.
thank you, adorno.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Red in the afternoon sky. There is blood on the streets,. More turmoil over race relations. No one is learning. The medical staff count the cost in bodies while it's all played out on the hateful Internet. Viral communication. We are all flowers. Loved the reference to Peter, Paul and Mary. And the Bible? They aren't taking notice. Strong write Jacob.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we have such similar tastes in music, Chris.
thank you for your words,
j.

[Inessa]

I see many things in this one, Jacob. Race relations. The effect of the pandemic on education and learning. The mundane reality of both where nothing truly gets learned. As one who was educated on face to face learning, the idea of remote learning dulls the attitude. It's no wonder all the flowers have gone. Withered, most likely. An intriguing poem again. Makes me think. And that title? Still scratching my head!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, remote learning just isn't the same...I am lucky this semester...I am teaching online scheduled classes which means, they stay home, i stay home but we use microsoft teams so they see and hear me and I see and hear them, so we can have discussion almost like being really face to face.
But it's funny...computers and texting separated us in a way...but now we need them to have contact.
Thank you for your words..Inessa,
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

We never seem to learn I guess. I feel the struggle between sense and reactionary in this and the reference to Peter, Paul and Mary's song with it's sombre notes as the singer rues the passing of all things normal.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insightful review, John,
j.

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Loved the powerful imagery here. When in darkness and doubt, grip the Bible harder.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Dhara...
appreciate your kindness.
j.