Two Teachers Diverged in A Yellow Classroom

“Two Teachers Diverged in a Yellow Classroom” is a poem I wrote in response to a call for submissions about big leaps from Reina Pomeroy  http://www.reinaandco.com/, one of my favorite people on the planet. Robert Frost’s “Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood” (and I’m probably misquoting the exact title) is my favorite poem. I am all about the road less traveled. Oh, maybe that’s the title. Oops. I digress. Enjoy the poem and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I’ve been told I should monetize my writing but it’s not about that for me. I love writing.

Two Teachers Diverged in a Yellow Classroom

Two experienced teachers stand disillusioned and overwhelmed in a sea of despair. There is no time to teach because of all the testing and the kids just don’t care.

One thrives on engaging activities and stepping outside of the box. Regaling tales of the past while empowering kids is a crucial part of the road she walks.

One continues to complain and bear the burdens of meetings and insidious initiatives as she continues to teach. But the other one knew that she was being called to expand her reach.

That tortured soul longed to explore and Big Magic opened her mind to the possibility of more. Inner conflict ensued over providing for her family, but inspiration kept furiously knocking at the door.

The time came in the spring to give future intent. The disheartened teacher trudges onward begrudgingly as the other is certain her time could be better spent. She tosses and turns not knowing what is right; the dilemma keeps her up at night.

Oh my, were there critics, self-righteous pundits, and voices whose words cut deep. This creative spirit ignored them all and opted for a magnanimous leap.

She confidently gathered up the courage as she happened upon the paper to be signed. But her signature magically flowed easily as she elected to resign. But wait, this defining moment isn’t the happy ending. For of course, her story is just beginning.

The glorious wave of relief flooded every inch of her being. No more unsuccessfully trying to fit into a mold, a sensation so freeing. Gone are the days of being reprimanded for being different from the norm. Time for the days of pursuing what makes her heart warm.

The school year ends and her new path is set to begin. Who needs rest from the school year when she is all-in? She set forth ready to change the Social Studies world. She quickly realized that life would cause things to get a smidge deterred.

The agony of a crumbling marriage filled her with the disappointment of knowing all her efforts were futile. She knew no matter what the stress and drama hadn’t at all been worthwhile. She began to focus on efforts to make her own confidence soar and wonder what the future had in store.

Maybe all of the strife hadn’t been in vain. Her love and support helped a broken man transition to a better place where she hopes he will remain. The feelings of worthlessness and rejection after he left sometimes appear, but more so life lessons and clarity are near.

She is thrilled to have moved on past that toxic love and even more jubilant to reside in a new apartment. As she chases her dreams she embraces the roller coaster ride, not stuck wondering where 40 years went.

Being single again and leaving her comfort zone of 16 years sometimes brings up unexpected fears. The self-doubt creeps in but she has been dealing with that for years.

The excuses unwelcomingly rear their ugly head and the desire to do things the right way leaves something to be said. She longs to save the world; she wants to help them all. She knows she can fly, but has to stop building a self-imposed wall.

The story of two teachers diverged leads to a varied path. Take a peek in that space again to witness one continue to teach math.

What of the rare, complex spirit whose story took a unique, courageous turn? Her grand visions motivate her past the point of no return.

Watch as she passionately fights to reveal those untold stories of the past previously left as a mystery. One motivated mission to ignite a revolutionary result to proudly honor this country’s history.