I am so lucky to have worked in education for over four decades. Children have given me so many blessings. Lately, I worry more and more about our children. They are growing up in a world that is increasingly violent and divided. They have to navigate so many conflicts that I, at the same age, had no awareness. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, of course, had its own revolutionary changes, but these times seem different, more unstable and precarious. My childhood had so much less technology. There was lots of time to unplug and play. Children have more worries and much more anxiety. That is why it’s so important to offer hope and joy in small things.
Early this summer, I participated in the Think Poetry project presented by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell. As part of their poetry workshop they compiled an anthology of poems from project participants. The poems were created in response to several photographs centered on the theme: What is Hope? Each participant chose five photographs from which to write poems. Then, Janet and Sylvia selected poems that would be included in their new book. My poem, “Esperanza,” was selected, and I am honored to be included in a poetry book about hope for children.
The idea for my poem came from my time supporting 4th graders. At the time, they were reading a novel that included many Spanish words. At the end of reading the book, I asked the students choose a Spanish word and include it in a poem that they would create. They could focus on one word, or a few words. Some students chose a word and its opposite. Some students wanted to write a poem using a word in their native language, which of course I allowed them to do. It’s a simple idea, but it had a great impact.
When I was studying Spanish in high school and college, there were words that just stuck with me and were easy for me to remember. Esperanza was one of those words. Esperanza was such an eloquent way to express the idea of hope. I thought about the word and how it sounded to me and wrote the poem.
Children are our greatest gift. I feel so proud that I have spent my life serving the needs of children. They hold within them such a sense of wonder. And that wonder has often given me hope and sustained me. Spending time with children will make you see the world in a whole new and positive way. As adults, we need to preserve that sense of wonder, that magic of childhood. It is a precious resource. It is a treasure and our best hope for the future. We should not treat it lightly. We need to cherish each childhood moment and allow kids to grow up without undue worry, to grow up believing they can achieve anything they desire. This will give them hope and sustain them.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 
Congratulations on the publishing of Esperanza! You have accomplished so much, and I admire your long service to kids and education. Life has changed a lot since we were children. There’s an ugliness that I hope is kids today can overcome. They deserve better.
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is wonderful! What a tribute to your dedication. (I am looking up at two books by Janet and Sylvia right now. Their work gives me hope.) I think about the vignette from The House on Mango Street, Cisneros’ brilliant book with “My Name.” I will look for the book. (and your lines, “watching and waiting/for all my wild wishes” reminds me of Mary Oliver’s “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”) What a perfect, hopeful start to a new year!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Trish: my thoughts EXACTLY re the “wild wishes” phrase! And thanks so much for looking up our books!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a lovely poem and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, what a lovely poem! Congratulations to you for the publication, and I love that you are still honing your craft – – there is always that craft in writing that we want to make better, and what a blessing to always want to climb new summits.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on your poem! Children are such a gift and I worry as well about this high tech world they are living in.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on your poem being published! It is a lovely piece. I also like your writing assignment for your students. They are lucky to have you as teacher.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a joy to read… I had a great experience with Think Poetry, too. My poem “Military” is included in the book… inspired by my son. My “postcard” is on my blog (newtreemom) today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, Joanne, congratulations, friend! Esperanza is a beautiful word. I so love your poem, and it’s perfect with the photograph.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The world needs more insightful, uplifting posts like this, Joanne. Hope has many facets. It is an anchor in the turbulent sea of these times, a buoy to the spirit, and fuel that keeps us going. I share your concerns for the kids. The word that often comes to mind thinking of young people in our society today is the opposite of hope: Despair. They need to know their value. They need a place of belonging. They need hope of overcoming…and so you teach on! A life poured into serving others is a hallowed and beautiful thing. You are an infinite inspiration and encouragement to many, including me. Esperanza Rising is one of the books our 5th grade studies and I’ll share your lovely poem with them; perhaps they will like to choose a Spanish word also for crafting into a poem. I’ve learned, over the years, that children really respond to poetry but it usually begins with one they’ve written vs. one they’ve read. The power of writing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fran: Sharing Joanne’s “Esperanza” poem in connection with ESPERANZA RISING is a PERFECT!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joanne, sorry it’s taken me awhile to read your post. I love the Spanish word, esperanza. And your words about hope ring true! How blessed your students are to have you instilling a belief that they can achieve anything they desire resulting in hope for their future. Our professions needs folks like you chasing away worry and anxiety.
Congrats on having your poem selected for the book!
LikeLiked by 2 people