I have this problem with saying things that I immediately regret saying a second after it leaves my mouth. These things are generally not anything that anyone else would ever think anything of, it's that I feel like a complete fool afterwards because I am so concerned with what others might think. Was that authentic? Was that total b.s.? I don't even believe that! These are all things I say to myself after such a moment.
Reading "Other People's Children," as me thinking long and hard about all the stupid things that I say. You know, what you say to someone can become an image of your very core to someone who doesn't know you any better, whether you believe what you've said or not. Am I sounding paranoid yet? What about this- how many racist things will I say/do/teach when I am in the classroom, and be completely ignorant of it? I don't consider myself to be a naive person, but I certainly struggle with identifying all of my prejudices and presumptions at times.
On another note, I will echo what most have said, and say thanks to everyone for making the discomfort of reading your own poetry in front of a bunch of people easier to get through. I value reciprocity in relationships, and I feel that exercises like that demonstrate the kind of reciprocity that is necessary to make this whole school thing work out. Sharing and listening and engaging.
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