If I watch
long enough
will the water
stop flowing
If I listen
long enough
will the rush
go quiet
If I breath
long enough
will the mist
disappear
If I wish
hard enough
will the water
always fall
– – –
Photo: Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, c.b.w. 2015
Words: c.b.w. 2015
In the thick, it’s hard to see.
Arms outstretched, even harder to reach.
The web is cast, setting the trap.
Weary travelers feel the wrath.
Brittle bars cage a whittled spine.
Dying bones can’t escape what binds.
The air is heavy, full of unanswered prayers.
They sky hangs low, desperate to hear.
Barren twigs defy spring’s touch.
Gray and dry, crumble to dust.
Between black and gray, light exists.
Specks of gold slip through the cracks.
Northwoods, Wisconsin
Photo by: c.b.w. 2014
– – –
c.b.w. 2014
Sometimes there are moments in life where things turn out better than you could have imagined. Throughout the summer, I’ve written rather extensively about a feature of my classroom known as the Lennon Wall. Modeled after a graffiti-filled wall in Prague, the Lennon Wall stands as a monument to young voices, freedom of expression, and hope. The actual Lennon Wall has faced its fair share of challenges, which makes it only fitting that my incarnate of the wall has also found itself at odds with the establishment, (see Reconstructing the Lennon Wall).
Much to my dismay, I was asked to dismantle my Lennon Wall in order to make way for new paint. Normally, I would be thrilled for a little interior upgrade, but not two days before the last day of school and an hour after I put up the last piece of student artwork. I was upset to say the least.
In response, I along with my amazing co-workers engaged in a small act of defiance and optimism by grabbing some markers and signing my empty Lennon Wall. The painters would be coming to apply a fresh coat of paint in a few weeks, so I decided to ingrain the wall with the spirit of the human voice. Once that paint rolled over our messages, they would always be there even if invisible.
When I walked into my classroom last week, I dreaded the mess the painters probably made, but most of all I was not looking forward to seeing a very barren and white wall. My classroom was indeed a mess with furniture upturned and as far as possible from where it belonged, while somehow paint globs ended up on my desk.
However, when I flicked on the lights I saw a miracle. The painters could not silence me. Underneath the new white paint, was the outline of the mark I made on the wall. And I wasn’t the only one. Several of the messages left behind were also still visible.
When I signed the wall, I wrote, “I will not be silenced,” but I had no idea how powerful that statement was until I saw it peeking through the paint that tried to snuff it out. Just when I thought this wall couldn’t have any more meaning, it has become immensely more powerful.
Before:
My original signature on the wall.
After:
Painted over, but still visible. Look closely!
The Lennon Wall has since been restored in all its glory and my students’ artwork is once again speaking with a vibrant voice. My still visible mark is now part of the collage, so I can tell my new students all about this incredible chapter of our Lennon Wall.
– – –
c.b.w. 2012
Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall in my classroom.
For further information, please visit these links:
Reconstructing the Lennon Wall
I just recently ran into the student who created this piece. While all grown up, her positive spirit remains firmly intact! Her idea of intertwining two hands has always struck me as beautiful.
This piece almost didn’t make to the wall! Water stains tried to smear the colors and pucker the paper, but luckily a little time pressed in a textbook saved it. This student created the earth using a very abstract style, but the message still comes through loud and clear.
Two students came together to create this piece. Look closely and you’ll see two hands instead of one. There’s nothing like a little unity to carry the message of peace.
– – –
c.b.w. 2012
Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall in my classroom.
For further information, please visit these links:
Reconstructing the Lennon Wall
The mad rush of quotes on this piece has always made it stand out. This student graduated this year and I have not doubt she is going take the real world by storm. Watch out, she’s full of energy and she’s not afraid to show it!
My favorite part about this piece is the statement this young lady makes at the bottom: And never have doubt in me, I’m capable of more than you think. She had unbelievable determination and I often wonder how far its taken her.
The “coexist” portion of this piece gave me proof that my students actually do pay attention when I’m teaching. I showed a picture of the real Lennon Wall from a few years back (to give them a sense of how it changes) that had the “coexist” image. This student mimicked it and added a slew of thoughts.
– – –
The writing is small on these pieces, but you can click on the images to view them at full size.
– – –
c.b.w. 2012
C.B. Wentworth 