Friday, March 28, 2014

Poetry Friday: A Word

A student shared this little Emily Dickinson poem in class today.

A WORD

A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just
Begins to live
That day.


I wonder if the words I say and read with my students will continue to live, and maybe someday some of these words will come back to them.  I hope so.  Today a tenth grader said to me, "I miss your class so much, and the way you used to read to us."  I needed to hear that, in the middle of a season when my words so often seem dead!

Mary Lee has the roundup today, here!  Go check it out!

7 comments:

Mary Lee said...

Good thing those words come right when we most need to hear them!

Cathy said...

I haven't heard this poem before. I would agree with Dickinson that saying a word is what brings it to life; much as you have illustrated in your read aloud comment.

Thanks for sharing,
Cathy

Linda B said...

It's a beautiful sentiment, isn't it? I hope that comment by your former student helped, Ruth. I'm not sure students always express their gratitude, but if one said it to you, I imagine others are thinking it! Have a lovely weekend!

Tara said...

Words are kept alive by teachers like you, Ruth. I think that's what this student was trying to say.

Tabatha said...

I think we (schools, parents) underestimate how much students/people of all ages like to be read to. It's a very engaging experience. Linda's right -- the ones you hear from are only a small portion of the ones who think it!

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes said...

Sometimes it takes time, even years, before words truly sink in... but they find a way. As a teacher, I would bet your words are finding homes with many, Ruth.

GatheringBooks said...

Hi there Ruth, so many thoughts to ponder here. I've always thought that words have a life of their own. And once released to the wind take on a magical form. Thank you for sharing this!