Like a ball kicked high into the sky, this story and poem lifted my spirits today. While I’ve read Rilke’s poem, “All will come again into its strength” many times before -this the first time I fully grasped what a hopeful and strong message it has for us. Again, it turns out to be the poem that I needed today. I hope it lifts your spirit as well.
Greg John’s reflection on “All will come again into its strength”
Though it happened a year ago, I can still hear that resounding slap when Treveon’s foot connected with a red kickball. He booted a low, bouncing pitch, rolled out by a hapless fourth grader, above the play structure, past the flagpole, and down to the street below.
Picture a hundred upturned faces tracking the path of that hurtling red orb as it rose, fell, and then vanished beyond the chain-link fence. Time stopped, birds chirped in hushed tones, even clouds made way. Then a cry went up from the blacktop, and I heard a chorus of children crying out in a perfect “Ooooh.” Say it out loud, and you will understand.
Treveon’s kick reminded me of transcendent moments in each school day—moments that light up the sky and light me up as well. When even one of my four hundred students steps beyond where he or she thought was possible, I get to go there too—and take one more step in my own unfolding. I can find light, my playground church, every single day and be called into my strength again.
Rainier Maria Rilke’s shining words tell me that angels have faces like our own. They walk among us on the gritty scrabble within these school yard fences. He calls on me to revere the power of service and the growth that comes when we don’t hold back. In the end, all that I am is all that I ever have to give. I’m good with that.
—Gregory John
Principal
Starr King Elementary School
San Francisco, California
Rainier Maria Rilke’s “All will come again into its strength”
All will come again into its strength:
the fields undivided, the waters undammed,
the trees towering and the walls built low.
And in the valleys, people as strong
and varied as the land.
#Mindfulness Mondays: Teaching with Heart & Poetry of Presence
Rilke’s poem and Greg John’s reflection are in Teaching with Heart. We only have permission to reprint the poem in our book, not online, so I’ve given you a few lines to give you a taste — click on the link it to get the whole poem.
Almost all the poems for #Mindfulness Mondays, comes from either Teaching with Heart or Poetry of Presence. I suggest you purchase the two books so can enjoy these poems at your leisure, over your morning coffee, at your desk, at your bed stand, or to share the poems with your friends.
May I also suggest purchasing Teaching with Heart for a teacher in your life. Written by and for teachers – it’s the ideal way to say thank you.
Order at Wiley.com, use discount code TWH30 and SAVE 30%!
This book is a great gift for the teacher that has made a difference in your child’s life, or the principal that has made a difference in the educational process for your family, or your cousin who teaches in another state. The book will speak volumes about your respect for what they do each and every day. I will treasure this gift to my soul. – Theresa Kaufman, Founder and CEO, Kauffman Leadership Academy.
Many thanks to Greg John for this terrific reflection. We’ve been fortunate to post several of his stories, be sure to check them out! Rain, Trumpet, Stars, Tattoo, Cracked, Fireman, and my favorite: Chomp. For more of his fabulous stories, check out his website and buy his book: Notes from the Playground. I highly recommend it!
The photo of the red ball flying through the air comes from Black Eyed Susan’s Kitchen.
Leave a Comment