The folder sits there,
Behind the teacher's desk,
Calling to the burnt-out educator
Slumped in front of it.
Its bright green colour
Is a vivid beacon among piles of papers.

Inside the plastic wallet
Rests a menagerie of paper,
Each piece playing part
In an ongoing story of
Growth and human connection.

Every paper creation -
Artwork,
Cards,
Notes,
Completed colourings,
Poems,
Origami -
Were once offered by small hands
And a shy smile.
Each and every piece is admired
Before being placed reverently
Into the green nest.

The folder begins the year empty
And hollow.
As the first school term starts,
And the classroom community
Travels their education journey together,
The folder begins to fill.

It's almost the end of the year, now.
The Velcro latch on the underside
Of the plastic wallet
Has trouble catching.
The once-empty bright green
Is stuffed full of paper gifts,
Addressed to the teacher,
And autographed by the artists.

O student drawings!
O beacons of hope
That pierce the darkness!
O reasons I stay in this job,
Through thick and thin!
O reminders that these children
Are complex and
Seeking only love and acceptance!

You form a gallery composed entirely of
One-of-a-kind treasures
That will be revisited and reminisced
For many years to come.
© O.M.A

Note: I'm a full time classroom teacher. I teach Year 3 (8-9 year olds), and this year has been rough. I received 5 drawing gifts last Friday, and was prompted to reflect on this in a poem :) I hope you enjoy

#poem #poetrycommunity #Teacher #reflection #writco #writcoapp