Congratulations, Class of 2020!

To the Class of 2020

On March 13th, 2020, your world was turned upside down.  On that day we left school, thinking we would be back in a matter of weeks, not months.  We never imagined we would not return to these halls and classrooms. Instead, we shifted into virtual learning, meetings, and just about our whole world went virtual. There were days when you were angry, frustrated, and filled with disappointment, and, yes, you had every right to feel all of those emotions.  This virus took so many “lasts” away from you:  the last song on the stage, the last game on the field, and the last race to run, the last time in the boat.  But through it all, you continued to be the best student that you could be.  You were patient and kind to each other and to your teachers as they began work through uncharted territory.  You were there for each other, and that is how I will always remember the Class of 2020. 

Continue reading

To a Daughter Leaving Home

When I taught you / at eight to ride / a bicycle, loping along / beside you / as you wobbled away / on two round wheels, / my own mouth rounding / in surprise when you pulled / ahead down the curved / path of the park, / I kept waiting / for the thud / of your crash as I / sprinted to catch up, / while you grew / smaller, more breakable / with distance, / pumping, pumping / for your life, screaming / with laughter, / the hair flapping / behind you like a / handkerchief waving / goodbye.

Linda Pastan