Looking into a mirror or even catching a glimpse of yourself in a darkened window allows you to see yourself objectively and, depending on the circumstance, subjectively. The image we see can be practical, if we are grooming our hair, or produce an emotional response, if we find ourselves looking inward. What visions, emotions, experiences, hopes, and dreams, however, might emerge from the reflections of ourselves we find in the eyes of another? What do they see in us that we may not see in ourselves? How might hope spring from those reflections?
Today let’s ask students to listen to the words of the Chilean-American author Marjorie Agosín. In her poem “My Mother’s Eyes,” Agosín shares the hope she sees for herself in the reflections of her mother’s eyes.
Marjorie Agosín begins her poem: “My Mother’s Eyes”:
My mother's eyes
are cities
where birds
nest
where voyages of the ill-fated
come to rest
where water is a mirror
of sung secrets.
Explore the places these eyes have seen and the unique qualities held in the eyes. Use those moments to shed light on lessons learned as well as adversity they have overcome. Seek, in those perceptions, the qualities you admire that are transmitted and, therefore, reflected back to you.
A writer’s composition is strengthened by the intentional choices made and the effect of those choices on a reader. As a composer of images and words, a writer is in control and powerful pieces are crafted when the author reveals their unique (and sometimes unexpected) perspective that seeks to uplift oneself and others.
Process:
Read “My Mother’s Eyes” and welcome her words into the classroom to set the tone for inspiration and let Marjorie Agosín lead the way. Like Agosín, ask students to begin their poem with “My mother’s eyes…” and see where you end up.
What do you think they see? What do you see when you look at her?
Or, change out the person: “My friend’s eyes…,” “My grandfather’s eyes…,” “My significant other’s eyes…,” etc. Choose the eyes that inspire hope, peace, grace, joy, or a sense of belonging for you.
Sample poem:
“My Grandmother’s Eyes (Inspired by Marjorie Agosín)” by Andy Schoenborn
Photo by Andy Schoenborn
I
My grandmother's eyes
are rolling pastures
where roots
grip tradition
where neighbors weary of work
come to rest
where the good earth is keeper
of whispered words.
II
Sample poem:
“My Grandmother’s Eyes (Inspired by Marjorie Agosín)” by Andy Schoenborn
Photo by Andy Schoenborn
I
My grandmother's eyes
are rolling pastures
where roots
grip tradition
where neighbors weary of work
come to rest
where the good earth is keeper
of whispered words.
II
My grandmother's eyes
are rolling pastures
of coarse corn
strengthening the grip
of a calloused hand.
I approach them
and on the threshold of her eyes
a boy is looking
for himself in the clear blue skies,
in soft sands of insecurity.
In my grandmother's eyes
I also encounter myself
because into them
I move,
to find the steady rhythm of peace
and love
in rolling pastures endured, with humility, for me.
Reflecting on the Strategy:
From time-to-time students may be asked to reflect on their thoughts, actions, and deeds. It is challenging sometimes to reflect upon oneself and see the goodness that lives inside. However, when asked to reflect on the qualities a loved one sees in us, students are invited to encounter and embrace positive self-talk.
are rolling pastures
of coarse corn
strengthening the grip
of a calloused hand.
I approach them
and on the threshold of her eyes
a boy is looking
for himself in the clear blue skies,
in soft sands of insecurity.
In my grandmother's eyes
I also encounter myself
because into them
I move,
to find the steady rhythm of peace
and love
in rolling pastures endured, with humility, for me.
Reflecting on the Strategy:
From time-to-time students may be asked to reflect on their thoughts, actions, and deeds. It is challenging sometimes to reflect upon oneself and see the goodness that lives inside. However, when asked to reflect on the qualities a loved one sees in us, students are invited to encounter and embrace positive self-talk.
This poetry writing strategy creates a win-win-win in the classroom. Students win because they are encouraged to visualize themselves in positive and purposeful ways. Teachers win because they are able to share pieces of themselves while modeling vulnerability. And, poetry wins because words will be viewed through a new lens that encourages the sharing of personal perspective through poetry.
Further Reading:
Andy Schoenborn is an award-winning author and high school English teacher in Michigan at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. He is a past-president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, teacher consultant for the Chippewa River Writing Project, and Region Rep for the Michigan Reading Association. His first book, co-authored with Dr. Troy Hicks, Creating Confident Writers was published in 2020. Follow him on Twitter @aschoenborn.
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