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Stillness

It’s hard for me to stay still
I don’t like quiet
I like to move
I like to do things
I like to be active
Even when I’m inactive, I’m listening to music or watching something

Stillness is stagnant
Stillness feels stuck
Stillness feels unproductive

Teaching is a crazy job that demands so much
So much time, so much effort, so much movement
I want to try to embrace the stillness and enjoy moments of calm

But as I sit here by the fireplace and watch snow fall
I can’t help but itch to move, to do, to create
I feel uncomfortable in the stillness
It reminds me I’m alone
It makes me anxious even afraid

I long to enjoy the calm
But the stillness makes me stiff

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Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2019 at 10:43 AM

    Your poem is so revealing and compelling. As a person who is completely comfortable in stillness, I still felt the itch to get up and get active on this snowy Sunday morning. Your poem's repetition really inspired me! I'm up and off the couch...

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    Replies
    1. MSheehanMarch 4, 2019 at 12:23 PM

      Thank you for reading Liz! I'm glad I could inspire you. I'm still working on embracing clam and still moments while I have them as they are often few and far between during the school day.

      Delete
  2. jennasemMarch 3, 2019 at 11:14 AM

    I can totally relate. Stillness makes me feel uncomfortable. I try to embrace, but it is so hard!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MSheehanMarch 4, 2019 at 12:24 PM

      Thank you for reading Jenna! I have a snow day today so I'm again challenging myself to appreciate the calm and restful day.

      Delete
  3. SallyMarch 3, 2019 at 6:09 PM

    The difference between activity and calm is explored well in your poem. I'm glad you chose to be a teacher because the job involves so much more activity than calm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MSheehanMarch 4, 2019 at 12:25 PM

      Thank you for reading Sally! I love teaching because everyday there is something new and I often feel challenged in a positive way.

      Delete
  4. Amanda PottsMarch 3, 2019 at 6:14 PM

    The repetition in this reflection in verse really works. I felt stuck with you and really wanted to move. Love the last line, too: "the stillness makes me stiff." Indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MSheehanMarch 4, 2019 at 12:25 PM

      Thank you for reading Amanda! I appreciate your feedback as well.

      Delete
  5. FranMarch 3, 2019 at 11:08 PM

    Wow, Michelle! The juxtaposition of stillness and movement and then compared to your livelihood - teaching! Still just wow!

    "Teaching is a crazy job that demands so much
    So much time, so much effort, so much movement
    I want to try to embrace the stillness and enjoy moments of calm"

    So many facets to teaching! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MSheehanMarch 4, 2019 at 12:26 PM

      Thank you so much for reading Fran! I feel like many teachers can relate to feeling a little out of their element on days of calm.

      Delete

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