In the quiet solitude of a winter morning,
I cozy up with the silence
listening intently
mug in hand
thinking
while wrapped up in a blanket
with my thoughts
pen in hand
writing
then being present with the moment
as time stands still
pause in hand
appreciating.
Here is a list of moments
that carried me through my day.
Some happy, some sad,
Some caused my nerves to fray.
Let’s start at the beginning
as the morn I groggily greet.
My daily dose of caffeine, yoga, and routine,
then to school I hastily speed.
I slid into my Wednesday a.m. meeting
just as the principal began to speak.
Next, my students came in quietly
and got to work without a squeak.
Next was art for the kiddos
and a parent meeting for me.
I hope she does what she says she’ll do.
Fingers crossed; I’ll wait and see.
Back to class with fifth grade
then fourth was next to teach.
They are learning to write literary essays.
For many, this is a reach.
Lunch, recess, then fourth grade again.
They worked well today.
Next, third grade, oh me, oh my!
A challenge-what can I say!
I helped with Crochet Club after school.
What a fun way to unwind.
I enjoyed watching them create
and seeing the satisfaction they find.
Now here I am-Home at last.
Online with my #TeachWrite friends.
Happily crafting poetry (or making an attempt)
as this day comes to an end.
2019 Tracy Vogelgesang
The best part of me
believes the best is yet to come!
Each day that passes
I grow wiser,
love more deeply,
and find more joy in simple things.
The best part of me
shines brighter with my heart’s companion.
As we age together
we grow closer,
strengthen our bond,
and cherish the moments we have together.
The best part of me
thrills when I spend time with my children.
Adulting suits them well.
I grow prouder,
enjoy their company,
and know they make this world better.
The best part of me
giggles and squeals as we run through the house.
With tiny curls bouncing
she grows quickly,
calls me Mom-mom,
and builds precious, precious memories with Papa and me.
The best part of me
adjusts her headphones to hear me as I greet her.
With sketchbook beside her
she grows wiser,
dreams future dreams,
and treats Papa and me with much love and respect.
Yes, the best part of me
gets better as time passes day by day!
Each day that passes
I grow wiser,
love more deeply,
and find more joy in simple things.
2019 Tracy Vogelgesang
My day at school today:
My heart bleeds
as I watch my student
for the past three years
pack his things-
mom and stepdad split.
My heart bleeds
as another student
will not get a meal
until midnight-
mom comes to then.
My heart bleeds
for the injustices
so many kids
face daily-
my heart aches.
After school I pull into my drive:
My bleeding heart
peeking above ground
mingling with other
budding plants-
spring is coming.
My bleeding heart
gives me hope
for brighter days
for all-
I cling to that.
My bleeding heart
reminds me that
fragile flowers blossom
despite the cold-
The kids will, too.
As my Spring Break comes to a close, I pay tribute to those instances of quiet and solitude I’ve enjoyed this week. Those magical, fleeting moments ground me, restore peace, encourage joy, and help me remember my humanity.
Silence
I seek it daily
so elusive, my soul’s treasure.
When received, a healing balm.
As stolen moments
or gifted bliss,
daily stillness is needed, valued.
Too much crushes me;
too little and I thirst.
When balanced, I thrive.
It’s my Divine connection
where truth and reality dwell.
A centering force, a refuge.
Silence
2019 Tracy Vogelgesang
My world slumbers in the inky darkness of the predawn sky.
I sit in my pj’s, notebook open, steaming mug of coffee at my side,
waiting…waiting for the words to come during this treasured, magical time.
One poem penned-it’s crap. I know it.
Yet I don’t give up.
The words-what words exactly, I’m not sure-
but some words are struggling to free themselves and be birthed.
A new thought, a new image, a new creation,
something which didn’t exist before.
The struggle is real, but the effort is worth it.
The words begin to make their way onto the page-
written, created, taking shape.
My world awakens in the blue, purple, pinkish-orange of the sunrise sky.
I sit in my pj’s, notebook closed, empty mug at my side.
The words arrived. I welcome them and go on about my day.
2019 Tracy Vogelgesang
Tis the day before break
restless energy abounds,
add a full moon-
chaos all around!
The children are restless
with energy to spend,
while visions of vacation
make it hard to attend.
And the exhausted adults
keeping order and peace,
count down the minutes
till the chaos will cease.
The clock ticks away
slowly but sure,
everyone watches
until the hands blur.
Finally, it’s here!
The P.A. sounds!
Dismissal is nigh,
cheers all around!
Teachers stand at the ready
with hugs for each one,
Happy Spring Break to all
and to all have great fun!
Tracy Vogelgesang 2019
Shy
Always keeping to the shadows,
afraid to share my voice
for fear of what others
will think.
Shy
Knowing there is so much more
I can contribute to the world,
yet stifling my own voice
unhappily.
Shy
Finally deciding in the middle of life
that enough is enough;
so I write, share, and begin
to feel joy.
Shy
Still nervous, but feeling alive,
feeling like I am finally
on the right track.
I am home.
There is no sky above-
only billowing clouds in browns, grays, and blacks
from tall belching towers that press my spirit into the ground.
Lost is the blue with white puffy clouds,
the purply/pink/red setting the horizon on fire,
and the endless black dotted with diamonds.
Gone is gazing at the vast expanse,
watching my soul soar free from its binding chains-
I weep.
My own sobs wake me-
free from the grip of a nightmarish vision,
a glance at the window eases my stress.
I bow my head in thankful silence and
move to the porch to rest my eyes on
miles of endless blue.
Join me, won’t you, to gaze at the vast expanse and
watch our souls soar free from their binding chains-
we appreciate.