A Special Spotlight and Celebration!

On By Michele LeeIn Inspirational People, new beginnings, Verse
Ode to 2022
by Charles Schilling

It gave us round three
“2020 two”!
It gave us more tension
and more lessons too.
More are dead in the streets,
more bombs dropped overseas.
Another trillion or so dollars spent
and another broken family.
Tell me friend, can you say,
if your fears have been relieved?
It’s the end of round three…
with another to come I believe.

All this time too
the Hermit’s been watchin’.
His tired eyes observing history
since others have been botchin’.
He has found some comfort
from some friends still goin’ on,
but can he truly feel at peace
from the chair he sits upon?
He sees the world still distracted
and tearing at the seams…
“What more is left now
but to prepare for ‘23?”

So, looking back at the year
I still wonder what was gained.
I know all that had been lost
and know still of its pain.
I credit my fellow poets
and my friends who checked on me,
reminding me that there is still more
to make, learn, love, and see.
Perhaps this year was not as grand
as we all wished it to be…
but let’s leave this one behind,
and face 2023.

I am delighted to feature another poem by poet Charles Schilling. A timely and reflective piece. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might recall that Charles is a former student of mine.

He has been busy! I am excited to announce that Charles recently finished his degrees in History and English Literature; he graduated on the 12th of December. 🎓 Currently, he is working towards obtaining a certificate for substitute teaching so he can enter his preferred field while preparing for returning to school for his master’s degree in secondary education. With time now to spare, he continues to write and practice carpentry while picking up old books left unread. Bravo Charles! 👏🏻

If you missed his first two features, please take a few minutes to enjoy this future teacher’s creative work and his song selection, Up the Wolves by The Mountain Goats:

“Lifting the Fog”

“A Lingering Memory

Thank you for visiting and joining me in appreciating and celebrating Charles! Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo by alphaspirit.it 

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

37 thoughts on “A Special Spotlight and Celebration!”

  2. Oh how delightfully awesome Michele. I love your support of your students and their achievements. I know that Charles is tickled pink that he still has a teacher who cares and is still an inspirational part of his life. Love this my Dancing Queen! 🥳💖🥰🙏🏼😍

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. It truly is! Thanks so much, Kymbelina. 😊 I do not miss the endless grading, but I do miss working with high school seniors. A special time in life when young people are about to leave familiarity behind and embark on their own life journey. ✨ My soul sings when I learn of their achievements. 💖 I am grateful for your support, and I am certain Charles will be too. 🙏🏻

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      1. Awesome sauce Michele my Belle. You can’t imagine how much this type of support and encouragement means to a young person who is accomplishing so much in his adult-shaping years! Not much attention is given to these kids who are trying to do the right thing. Thank you for inspiring us all my friend. 🤗🦋🥰🙏🏼😍

        Liked by 1 person

    1. He has some talent. 😁 I am confident he will make a difference in his chosen profession and in the lives of his students. That is very kind of you to mention. 🙏🏻 I learned as much, if not more, from him. 😊

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  12. It’s impossible not be afraid, Michele. I watched my son, his wife and their toddler daughter suffer through covid, each for the third time just last week. My daughter-in-laws mother just came out of 14 days in ICU because of a combination of covid, pneumonia and RSV; she’s beyond fortunate to be alive. Times are critical. Times are scary. 🙏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Understandable and relatable feelings, Nancy. Collectively, we have all been through extraordinary challenges and losses over the last few years. 💔 Sorry to read about what your family has been through. Wishing you all health and healing. 🌻Thank you for sharing your personal connection to Charles’s poem.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Great poem, Michele, thank you for sharing. And Congrats to Charles on his accomplishments and future endeavors. So impressive! The last 3 years have truly been challenging for everyone on various levels. I find as I get older that anxiety finds an easier entryway. Not out of control, manageable, but still, fear is at the helm because there is so much to be fearful of in our world. On the flip side, I try to focus on the good, the bright, the light, the love and laughter…and I remember to breathe. 🙂 Wonderful post, Michele, and wishing you the very best new year. ❤️🎉❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Remember to breathe… Yes! One of my mantras. 🧘🏻‍♀️ I believe you represent the feelings of many people. Thanks so much, Lauren, for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your share and connection to this poem. 💗 I am certain Charles will appreciate it too! Have a beautiful weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

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