The poet emerges at sunrise: alone, as always, and without plan; when else can he perceive the way the lark’s sudden departure sends a crown of halos rippling toward the bank? His words cast common objects in an unfamiliar light, finding sacredness in the profane and humor even in darkness. “Yes,” we say, “it is just … Continue reading The Poet at Sunrise
“Why do we bother to study the past?” Like many other teachers, I sometimes begin the new school year by putting this question to my eager young pupils. It could be considered The Great Challenge of All History Teachers Everywhere—getting kids to see the relevance of something that happened a thousand years ago, when they (like most of us) … Continue reading How Much Can We Really Learn from History?
Another year at Patrick Henry High School is drawing to a close. Teachers and students alike can be heard counting down the final days until summer vacation. Like most, I am glad for the time I will get to spend with my family this June and July. I’ll be able to get my house organized, … Continue reading A Thank You Letter to My Students
The Front Porch Philosopher 