Forty Poem by Glen Kappy
Forty
Assignment taken as a last resort—
with leaving early then commuting far—
a school not known for academics—
then asked to take another teacher's classes.
(I'd come because I knew this campus—
hoped for time to roam its open spaces
this side of the river at the city's rural edge.)
His first period the one he had no classes—
not ideal but this my only opportunity—
I scanned his plans then set out into chill March air
until I reached its soccer field encircled by its track
and houses in the distance out beyond the fences.
And there in migratory rest were Canada geese—
nestled down into the grass or waddling slowly
or with long necks bent and feeding—forty! —
which I counted as I walked and slowed—
and not a sound from them to break the quiet. Forty.
This has a really unexpected climax, Glen. Forty geese not uttering a sound? I guess they were in school... The Egyptian geese I know from SA of some of the noisiest creatures I know. Just been discussing migration of dragonflies with my students. From India to East Africa and back - 18000km! All creatures great and small praise Him.
yes, geese can be noisy. when they're in flight and even from a good height, canada geese make themselves known. but these forty, in rest mode i guess, made little or no sound at all that i recalled. didn't know about those dragonflies—wow! thanks for that, and thanks for taking the time to write. -glen
Ha! My daughter is a substitute teacher! ! ! Unfortunately she has no time to revisit favorite places either before or after school. What a lovely sight- -we get mobs of seagulls at school and hordes of geese down at the park. But still they are a sweet sweet sight. Loved this write, Glen, it reminds us to treasure the special moments and revisit them whenever possible.
thanks, susan. this sight was a highlight of the day as you inferred. in general i get excited when i see wildlife that's not the usual. for the first time a week ago right outside my front door i saw three black capped chickadees feeding on the seeds from one of my desert willows. -glen
This is awesome poetry. 'His first period the one he had no classes— not ideal but this my only opportunity—'...is very nice.Thanks for posting.
you're welcome, anil. and thank you for your affirmation. this happened yesterday, and to see the geese was definitely a lift. be well! -glen
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/28/2024 11:02:03 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Being a substitute teacher you got an opportunity to be in a different school and watch its premises...! As one interested in observing Nature and its birds and animals, the sight of a flock of migratory geese must have been an interesting spectacle for you. Staying miles away in India, I see this sight before my eyes. That's the power of poetry!
It was a sight and a highlight of this day. Thank you for your comment, Valsa, and may we be granted such surprises regularly if not daily. -Glen