An Educator's Dedication to J.R.R. Tolkien
Amber Aden
I am the wizard with my internal hat and staff of knowledge,
guiding and leading the dwarves and hobbits
through Middle Earth.
At times I stand aside and let
my youngers find their own way -
I carry the staff, the light
of knowledge and wisdom, safety
and security.
My youngers doubt me in times of trials,
but the teacher is always silent during the test.
With my internal hat and staff I fight, lead, and guide,
I fend off danger to protect my youngers
on their life journeys; finding their home,
creating a better world for themselves
and those around them.
I support and encourage them through the adversities.
I fight so hard to the bitter end
to be renewed - born again
into the confident white wizard.
My dwarves and hobbits get into problems
beyond my control --
that's when my elves and eagles come,
assist, and be my heroes.
I am not an invincible white wizard,
I am constantly growing and changing.
My dwarves, hobbits, elves, eagles and fellow wizards
mold me
into the white wizard I am supposed to be.
Live long and prosper, folks.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteWOW, I love this piece. I'm not exaggerating when I say, I got goose bumps. I literally did!
When you get the chance to teach writing I would use this as an example. Your students will value how vulnerable you are making yourself. Promise, they will know you wrote it from your heart and it should make them feel safe to create what is dear to them.
Where did you get your idea for this poem? I'm assuming from the new Lord of the Rings?
Give yourself a pat on the back, this piece is AMAZING!
Thanks for sharing,
LeAnna
LeAnna,
DeleteYes! I am currently reading The Hobbit and I love the entire series! It all just became some inspiration. :)
Amber,
DeleteFirst of all let me say that I am so happy you are my partner because you always have the best posts in the whole earth! Second, I wanted to tell you that I love the picture you paint of the average teacher.
I think its amazing how teacher's lead their students through tough times, and how they prepare them as well.
The line "I stand aside and let my youngsters find their own way" resonates so much with me because as a science teacher I have to allow my students find their own way and find their own answers. As an English teacher I love sitting back and allowing my students to tell me what they think the authors purpose is or what a certain line means to them.
Sometimes standing back is a great way to allow your students to learn, and usually what they learn on their own is retained much much better. :)
Amber,
ReplyDeleteWell my little Hobbit friend, there is more to you than what we see on the outside. You always seem to know how to make me smile. This is a great piece of work that you’ll have to share with your students someday. I agree with LeAnna, you should use it for a writing project. My favorite lines are, “I fight so hard to the bitter end to be renewed - born again into the confident white wizard”. I am jealous of your talent and creativity. Now I know I called you a Hobbit, but if ever someone of small stature could rise above, it would be my Hobbit friend who became the White Wizard.
Chris
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThis piece absolutely floored me. I've always known what a talented writer you are but, wow. I agree with LeAnna when she says that you should share this with your students when you teach writing. There are so many great things about this poem that your students would be able to identify and appreciate. The fact that it relates to one of my (and many others) favorite books makes it even more inspiring.Your poem makes me want to work on my own writing!
I would like to tell you what a great teacher you are, and how often I brag about you guys when other teachers ask me about my fellow student teachers. I definitely got lucky getting to work with you at East, and going through the teaching program with you has made me a better teacher! Someday, your organizational skills will completely rub off and I'll actually remember everything myself. Someday. Listening to you talk about your experiences in the classroom helps me manage situations in my own, and the units you plan always astound me. Your students are lucky to have you!
Sincerely,
Natalie Skidmore