Following is a small sample of poetry produced over the past decade of my teaching. These are my students' own take-aways, in their words the single most important lesson of the semester from their time with me. They have the opportunity to provide this on their final exam (in haiku, limerick, or sonnet form; occasionally the rebel provides free verse).
A Student Senryu
I was unsure
until Dr. Wright made me feel
as if I can do anything
Walking into this class,
the eyes on the instructor,
waiting for her response
on how to be a better person.
The day we locked hands
I realized how lucky I am
thank you so much*
Don’t trust all you hear
Look for yourself and share what you gained
because knowledge is power.
I read
a book of wonder and skepticism
opens my eyes.**
I question things now
I have to figure it out
I’m loving my doubts
Always question
the things you hear
hold the truth somewhere
I have the tools
that I need to become
a researcher.
In most people’s minds
different things haunt each one
and they all matter.
Emma Watson’s boobs
The outrage makes me angry
Am I feminist?
From this class
I leave with the awareness
To see the world and change.
Non-cognitive
traits essential to leveling
the playing field
That moment
I realized being a woman
Means I’m less
A mother’s education
is important in relation
to a child’s future and mental health;
it improves their shot at wealth;
so, do your kids a favor and make it to graduation.
I paddled more deep
further in the vast ocean
of my flowing mind.
I used to be afraid
of the dark
but not anymore.
*Privilege Walk
**Carl Sagan's The Demon Haunted World