Buzzing with insects & blooming fruits
Each word a whirlwind on my knees
As I try to make it rhyme with bees
Half-listening to teacher's voice on rules & feuds
I write a poem under the tree
Scribbling in long strokes, black as tea
I ignore birds calling our secret names, hued
Like buzzing insects and fruits blooming
I count bleating of nearby goat herd
While sun mercilessly dry our throats
As I write a poem about this tree
Gnarled with thick torso like manatee
Unbowed by storm, this tree's our school (a hoot)
Buzzing with insects & falling fruits
Chucking our heads, when our eyes flee
To distant train puffs & sky goosed by jet's clouds
This poem is written under our tree
Buzzing with insects & blooming fruits
Picture credit: here
Posted for: D'verse Poets Pub - Hosted by Gabriella ~ I took a different approach to "going back to school" specially for poorer countries ~ Thanks for your visit ~
Very interesting take on the prompt, Grace! Far too often we take the education of our individual countries for granted. Thank you for reminding us that not all children have a roof on their heads when they study.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this story.. to have to make the tree a schoolroom might sound romantic, but I'm sure that in the long run we should be happy for what a proper school means.. your Villanelle's are so good, breaking the rules in just the way I love... I have never dared to do that :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant poem, Grace. Truly sad if a school is destroyed....but the end is heartening, as it seems that the children are continuing their education under the shelter of nature..
ReplyDeleteI read that its very distracting actually...and when it rains, either they bring the umbrella or they cancel school ~
DeleteGoing to school under a tree would be neat, for a day or two. Much rather have a school indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us that in many places, school is under a tree, with very few resources, yet students so eager to learn. I so enjoyed this poem!
ReplyDeleteHa. I love all the sound in this. And of course I would rather be listening to that than the hum of the teacher droning on. Especially those first days when it is all about the syllabus and rule. I would rather be outside than in as well. Nice form too in this Grace.
ReplyDeleteWhile I appreciate they are making due with their circumstances as well. I still would not mind a school room under a tree. Unless it rained.
ReplyDeleteI can see both good and distracting days, but one must work with what they have. Your poem is truly written from the heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful place to learn. You made it quite beautiful with your words.
ReplyDeleteLoving the flow of this, the repetition and the whole setting, sense of place that you create. It made me think of the ancient Greek philosophers and their wandering didactic tendencies. BTW, great that you used present tense.
ReplyDeleteA really exciting & imaginative take on the prompt; you make villanelles look like more fun than I am used to; a tribute to you for sure. Your message is significant, & clear. I like the lines /scribbling in long strokes, black as tea/I ignore birds calling our secret names/.
ReplyDeletehow cool in a way would it be to have classes under a tree.. though i can imagine that it is not easy to concentrate on math and things cause there's so much to see around
ReplyDeleteVery poignant reminder of children who cannot take school for granted, for whom it becomes more of an unattainable dream rather than a reality. A great take on the prompt!
ReplyDeleteWhat a solid piece, a great reminder of what some kids have to go through in their pursuit of knowledge. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great image of words you used. And solid poem to get our imaginations full of energy and spirit. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent piece.
P.S Stop by my page...got a new poem. It's sci-fi poetry.
This is a really lovely poem Grace:))
ReplyDeleteTo have school outside sounds wonderful, but it would make paying attention that much harder. Peace, Linda
ReplyDeleteMany different ways of schooling but thankful we can learn! Wonderful poet-tree, Grace!
ReplyDeleteFun to imagine with you the world of school under a tree. Great phrases
ReplyDeletea wonderful villanelle Grace...and this reminds me of our poet Tagore's introduction of a new system of education at Santiniketan, the place where he stayed...the students were allowed to have some outdoor classes under trees as a part of the system and it was fun for the kids....
ReplyDeleteNature's school
ReplyDeletenever opening
never closing
JUST
i
CE
closed
case..:)
Grace, I love this poem. We take our schools so much for granted. It's inspiring to see how the concept school is lived in other places. I think your poem captures the moment in that picture very very well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are doing well!
Hugs to you, Beate
I love the point of view in this villanelle because I feel the experience of the child in two schools at once and prioritizing the gifts of nature and this specific tree. It has the repetition I associate with mind wandering Joy and the lack of foresight the moment brings with it! How I love the distractions of nature! How I wish for the comforts of a room with walls and ceiling and door.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - one of the greatest poets we have in India - started a school where there would not be any classrooms - he used to take classes under a tree - it is now an university - I have been there a few times. Your piece reminded me of that place in every line.
ReplyDeleteso many lesson out of the school room even in a time of turmoil...
ReplyDeleteThe thirst for knowledge can impose lots of challenges on make-shift locations and on different environments. But still it can be made available to as many of the young minds as possible!
ReplyDeleteHank
Grace, a lovely take on the prompt. A classroom under a tree can be difficult and a blessing all in one.
ReplyDeleteThis was a mindful and soulful write.
ReplyDeletehttps://perfectlyleah.wordpress.com/
sorry i have to use my google in order to comment
What a wonderful way to respond to the prompt. We take our solid brick schools for granted with so many extras. Meanwhile, in many countries, the simple will to learn and teach can change lives....even if it's under a tree.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Grace.