The Kickstarter

When my friend and bandmate, Barbara Bassett and I discussed me coming into her grade 7 English class at Fernie Secondary School, I was overjoyed. I absolutely love teaching poetry, particularly to young adults. When the fateful day arrived, I couldn’t help but feel nervous and vulnerable in my preparation for the group. Would I know any of the students? How would they treat me? Do they even like poetry? I cast aside my insecurities and forged ahead, knowing that what I have to offer is of value and kickstarted myself into teacher mode and braved the group. No matter how old and experienced we are, no matter how confident and able, that jolt of moving forward is the fuel that propels us into the unknown. 

Thank you, Barbara for trusting me with your students and to all of you in class that day, thank you for your vulnerability, your willingness to share your ideas, and to accept that sometimes we all need a little kickstart.

The Kickstarter 
By Alba Banman, Lu Boronowski, Drayana Caravetta, Lydia Dopko, Isla Dutton, Maeve Green, Katie Hafke, Tamsin Hicken, Logan Hurley, Rayne Jones, Nick Larsen, Ailish Leith, Caitie McKeown, Taryn Mutcher, Ruby Novecosky, Brennen Peterson, Theron Rome, Natalia Ross, Nyah Shopland, Hailey Stull, Zakk Temrick, Liam Warr, Evie Woodall, and Sadie Rosgen.

The beginning…
Big lights,
excited motivation! 
P E O P L E
nervous
proud
The road,
gusts of breath, bike wheels turning.

F A L L I N G
hope,
trying to do something, believing in myself.
F O C U S I N G
I’m going to get this!In it, to win it.
In the action,
foot, leg, ready, shoot!

MY 
best
MY 
dreams

MY
self
good for you for finding yourself…
finish line
SLEEP