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.
Islands of My Soul 
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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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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Your poem expresses those contradictions all around us. Some days I’m confused, too.
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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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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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Such a good poem! Thank you for sharing it! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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