This piece is stunning. The rhythm, the ache, the quiet resolve - it builds like a hymn and lands like a truth you’ve always known but couldn’t quite say. I had to sit with it for a while after reading, in the best way.
As a fellow behavioral scientist, I often wondered if all those corporate org charts were just high-stakes simulations for what humans really need. I tried to take the high road, but let’s be honest…it was uphill both ways. Thank you for your service working with children.
This piece radiates a quiet reverence—both for the child at its heart and for the unspoken wisdom that often goes unnoticed in the everyday. Your poem not only captures the essence of learning in reverse—teacher becoming the taught—but also makes space for a broader, deeper understanding of communication beyond words. The cadence of your writing mirrors the act of stacking those “un-clicked” blocks: precarious, deliberate, and profound. There’s a strong sense of humility here, of letting go of ego to receive something greater, something tender and transformative.
What stands out is how you’ve allowed the child’s way of being to reshape your own rhythm—not just in the classroom, but in your creative voice. The poem’s movement between literal and symbolic space honours the unseen work of connection, and you’ve rendered it with an emotional intelligence that speaks to anyone who’s ever been changed by another’s quiet presence. It’s not a contest entry—it’s a tribute, and one that sings beyond the page.
Thank you for such an incredibly reflective response. I feel a new gladness in the feeling that I generated something that earned such fine praise. A feeling of wholeness, deep satisfaction.
Oh I absolutely adore this piece! Incredibly emotive writing - I’m crying, but not from sadness, from the overwhelming beauty, care, & love in your poem. Amazing writing!!✨
I loved this! Yes! You need to keep writing. It touched me. I always try to explain or show readers, that the best way to rise is by lifting others.
My favorite line is “ and listen for the words not said, because it isn’t silent in their head”. Beautifully true! You have a gift to give away in your writing.
This piece is stunning. The rhythm, the ache, the quiet resolve - it builds like a hymn and lands like a truth you’ve always known but couldn’t quite say. I had to sit with it for a while after reading, in the best way.
As a fellow behavioral scientist, I often wondered if all those corporate org charts were just high-stakes simulations for what humans really need. I tried to take the high road, but let’s be honest…it was uphill both ways. Thank you for your service working with children.
So grateful we’re meeting here.
Wow. Thank you so much for this response. I feel like my silent voice is being heard clearly.
This piece radiates a quiet reverence—both for the child at its heart and for the unspoken wisdom that often goes unnoticed in the everyday. Your poem not only captures the essence of learning in reverse—teacher becoming the taught—but also makes space for a broader, deeper understanding of communication beyond words. The cadence of your writing mirrors the act of stacking those “un-clicked” blocks: precarious, deliberate, and profound. There’s a strong sense of humility here, of letting go of ego to receive something greater, something tender and transformative.
What stands out is how you’ve allowed the child’s way of being to reshape your own rhythm—not just in the classroom, but in your creative voice. The poem’s movement between literal and symbolic space honours the unseen work of connection, and you’ve rendered it with an emotional intelligence that speaks to anyone who’s ever been changed by another’s quiet presence. It’s not a contest entry—it’s a tribute, and one that sings beyond the page.
Thank you for such an incredibly reflective response. I feel a new gladness in the feeling that I generated something that earned such fine praise. A feeling of wholeness, deep satisfaction.
🙏
Oh I absolutely adore this piece! Incredibly emotive writing - I’m crying, but not from sadness, from the overwhelming beauty, care, & love in your poem. Amazing writing!!✨
Wow! That means more than you could possibly know. Thank you forever.
I loved this! Yes! You need to keep writing. It touched me. I always try to explain or show readers, that the best way to rise is by lifting others.
My favorite line is “ and listen for the words not said, because it isn’t silent in their head”. Beautifully true! You have a gift to give away in your writing.
Thanks for sharing on Substack.
Thank you so much!
Guiding, and carrying out directions with soul. I like
Thank you for reading it. Special experience, captured.
Well done. Intense and loving observations and a clear image you’ve made with words. A pleasure to read.
Thank you so much, Michele. He was a joy to ‘teach’
Awesome man, beautiful story. I’ve done some similar work so it definitely resonated here. You’ve got my vote in the competition haha
Thanks, Linda!