Learning to Write

Very Good

By second grade I learned to write well enough to make short sentences. My teacher wrote that they were “Very good”. So, I wrote more and I showed them to her. She gave me another sheet of paper which encouraged me. My third grade teacher was less impressed. I stopped showing her what I wrote. That gave her more time to focus on what was bothering her.

I am older now than either of those teachers were and I realize that I’ve been like both of them at different times of my life, sometimes unreasonably patient and other times unforgivably impatient. Looking back. I forgive the impatience in my third grade teacher and hope I can forgive it in myself as well. I understand the many reasons for impatience that torment adults. I hope her life was happy because today she looks more like my daughter than a teacher.

Given all the reasons for impatience, it amazes me that any of us are blessed enough to enjoy any patience. Nonetheless there it is again as a commonplace miracle.

MOTHER SAVES THE WORK
FLOWERS YEARN TO BLOOM AGAIN
LATER OLD LEAVES FADE

Text: Linked to dVerse Haibun Monday where Toni is hosting and to Debbie Roth’s Forgiving Fridays.

Photos: “Very Good”, above, and “Alice in Wonderland”, below.

Alice in Wonderland

Author: Frank Hubeny

I enjoy walking, poetry and short prose as well as taking pictures with my phone.

68 thoughts on “Learning to Write”

  4. I look forward to those flowers blooming. Patience…I wish I have more of it but I try to practice it everyday. Kudos to those who show patience specially in teaching, smiles.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked that art work. I can remember myself drawing it. It looked better in my memory but that is sort of what it looked like. Thank you, Margaret!

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  9. Awesome story poem, Frank! I’m glad you got the encouragement when it mattered, and the wisdom to be forgiving to an impatient teacher as well. Without both, we might not be reading your work… or seeing your artwork!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Patience, young grasshopper! In the 1970s TV show called “Kung Fu”, the master quickly corrects his pupil Caine, illustrating that despite his blindness, his awareness of the world is much higher than Caine’s.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Amazing that you still have your early literary and artistic efforts! I loved the description of the third grade teacher having time to concentrate on what was bothering her! Your subtle humor always entertains me!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Oh Frank, I love this! The photos are so heart warming, and fitting for what you share. Brings me right back to being a kid too. One thing that stands out for me in what you write is the compassion and empathy for the impatient teacher. That opens such room for forgiveness. Thank you.

    I’m honored to share your post for #ForgivingFridays yet again!! Have a blessed week, Frank. Debbie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debbie! I thought that third grade teacher was scary until I watched my daughters grow up and I could see how young she really was with her own fears and problems. It just takes a different perspective.

      Liked by 1 person

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  29. One thing I appreciate being an older person is the ability to put the past in perspective and to heal from past wounds. I am reminded of that by your haibun.

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