Scott Simpson · Poetry

Be the Place

Use For Kindling · source pages 16, 17

The original line breaks, stanza spacing, and placement are preserved. Long lines scroll horizontally.

Source page 16

Be the Place

Not the answer.

Not the map.

Just the place.

Be the open room

where a student sits

and finally

doesn’t flinch.

Be the swing

that holds the weight

but doesn’t say

how high.

Be the voice

that says,

You can.

And also,

You already do.

We don’t need

a perfect plan

or flawless curriculum.

Source page 17

We need more adults

who remember

what it felt like

to be ten

and misunderstood

and brilliant in ways

no one graded.

If you’re the stable thing

they launch from—

then clap

as they fly.