Lines in My Prime

I
tried to
compose a
meaningful poem
but I was way too tired.
Now, I lay me down to sleep…Good Night Poets

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 15, 2023 for Ethical ELA’s #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Never Eternal

Next time, it won’t seem as bad.
You see, this too shall pass.
A tree may lose its leaves, but it lives and grows.
Think about the newness that comes with Spring;
How what was dormant is fully awake.
Much like the seasons, life’s experiences may cycle through
Hope, distress, joy, pain and so much more; however,
It holds true that none of it is eternal.

(Modified Golden Shovel inspired by Whenever You See A Tree by Padma Venkatraman.)
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/155531/whenever-you-see-a-tree

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 10, 2023 for Ethical ELA’s #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

breaking the rules

though i like the idea of breaking the rules
i feel like i could only go so far
my inner rule-follower lets me go right up to the edge
without actually crossing the line

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 10, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Something You Should Know

is that teaching is my second career.
I have previously sold shoes,
specifically, athletic shoes and apparel.
I greeted and served customers;
some demanding and not always so nice.
Which, after most shifts,
left me exhausted from working 9 to 9,
feeling more like sun up to sundown
during holidays and big sale promotions.
I had also previously convinced myself
I didn’t like other people’s kids, until…
I worked in an elementary school media center where
I instantly fell in love with other people’s kids.
Perhaps that is when I conceived the idea I might be good at teaching;
when I realized the importance of building
relationships and connections with students.
Perhaps that is why my second career, so far, has been
my best career. I get to love on other people’s kids.

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 8, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Death

For those of us who believe,
Death is never the end.
It is the beginning of eternal life.

For those of us who believer,
Death comes for the body.
Spirit and Soul go to be with Christ.

For those of us who believe,
Death signifies LOVE.
Jesus loved/loves us that much.

For those of who believe,
Death is temporary.
For He is RISEN!

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 7, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Long Weekend

Four Day Break; Boundless Options for Passing the Time
My Desire? Snuggle up with Blankets and Books.
Gratitude for Sabbatical to Do or Not…It’s My Choice.

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 7, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Walling Me Up a Drive: A Golden Shovel

Walling himself; refusing my help, and mostly ignoring
me in avoidance. How do I avoid not giving
up when everything I've tried has not been 
a success? I guess, I'll have to dig deep for the 
drive to keep showing up whether he likes it or not.

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 5, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

When We Reciprocity…

When we reciprocity
we cooperation together to the end

When we cooperation
we collaboration and partnership

When we collaboration
we concert in time and meter

When we concert
we joint and sinew strength

When we joint
we connection toward mutuality

When we connection
we relationship

When we relationship
we reciprocity

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 4, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

Shenanigans and Tomfoolery

Shenanigans and Tomfoolery
Two words I like to use because of their hint of humor.

Shenanigans and Tomfoolery
Two words with meanings I have a hard time tolerating.

*antics
*clowning
*mischief
*stupidity

Ain’t nobody got time for the shenanigans and tomfoolery.

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 4, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.

If We Were Having Coffee

If we were having coffee,
I’d tell you how Teach Write has changed my teaching and writing life.

I’d tell you I’d been told that my writing was no good;
how my awesome Teach Write peeps convinced me that I could.

I’d tell you I get scared; feeling like a huge imposter;
how I press into this group and the encouragement that they foster.

I’d tell you I’ve transformed from being a writing teacher;
how being a teacher-writer has a meaning far more deeper.

If we were having coffee,
I’d tell you I am grateful for the Teach Write community;
how it’s opened many other doors.
I’d tell you to find the people who
share a passion such as yours.

Original poem written by Donnetta Norris on April 2, 2023 for Ethical ELA's #VERSELOVE for National Poetry Month.