When February rolls around, teachers feel the pressures of the days. 
And, such a short month we're given to squeeze it all in. 
I often wonder what our students think. This poem came from those wonders.

February Confusion

It’s Black History month
my teachers say
Ground hog’s day
I love to read 
Love and hearts and 
Random acts of kindness
and a day to celebrate 
our presidents
Also, the biggest football 
game of the year

But, I’m so confused.
My teacher also said
that one day not so long ago
Blacks were not allowed to read
and presidents owned slaves
And, I found on the internet 
the groundhog is right 
less than half the time.

My teacher also taught us
about racism and stereotypes
and said how far we’ve come. . . but
I saw white Chief fans dressed up 
as Native Americans
painting their faces red
beating on drums
Chanting and singing
and the Tomahawk chop. . .

Be kind I keep hearing
Make it random
We write letters
and give cards with hearts
to our friends
This makes us all feel good
inside the walls of our classroom

I don’t know how to 
wrap up this poem
Something is missing
and I’m not sure what it is

But things are not all
what they say it is

©Shari Lynn Daniels 2021 (draft)

I'm participating in Poetry Friday where others who are sharing and writing poetry come to gather. You can find more poems to read this week here at the site of Molly Hogan, who is hosting Poetry Friday this week. 

6 thoughts on “February Confusion ~ Poetry Friday”

1. Shari, your poem speaks eloquently about the many stark, contradictions that beset our world. I take some comfort from the fact philosophers say out of confusion we strive for understanding. So confusion is not all bad. Wishing you clearer days on the way through February.

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2. Shari, it is good to see you on Poetry Friday. Your poem is a sensitive one from a student perspective that allows us insight into our February calendar. Compliments to all the teachers who “My teacher also taught us
   about racism and stereotypes
   and said how far we’ve come. . .”
   for they are the facilitators of learning about social justice.

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3. Your poem expresses those contradictions all around us. Some days I’m confused, too.

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4. Shari, you’ve captured that moment when a teen starts questioning and looking more deeply at the inconsistencies in our society.

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5. Those final lines really capture the essence of your poem. I do wonder and worry about the messages we send our students/children. Thanks for participating this week!

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6. Such a good poem! Thank you for sharing it! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

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