March 2019 SOLC–Day 4
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
Four days into March and I’m floundering. So far this time around, it’s not finding ideas that’s been so hard, it’s finding the time to read all the blogs I want to and then make thoughtful comments. Every day I try to read and respond to blogs I follow, the loose community of people who tend to post when I do, new people I want to support, and a few random blogs as well. Then later, I try to respond in kind to those who have taken the time to read and comment on my blog. I’ve come to realize that I simply can’t get to everyone, and it’s driving me a little crazy. So, inspired by William Carlos Williams and Joyce Sidman, I wrote this for you all.
This is Just to Say
every day
my intentions are good
I see you out there
your posts cleverly titled
filled with wonderings
noticings and
powerful reflections
I long to linger
to read and learn from
and about you
to delight in
the taste of your words
nourishing
refreshing
and so delicious
Forgive me
the sheer volume
delights
and overwhelms
©Molly Hogan, 2019
Nix the comfort zone 
I guess it’s a good problem to have, since it means a lot of us are writing! Love the format, that’s a clever idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So man you slices…so little time! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!!
LikeLike
Love the poem. But is this apology or apologia? 🤔
I’ve had a commenting plan each year I’ve participated in this challenge, and as a communication teacher think communication
happens best through reciprocal engagement. I teach students several axioms of communication, one of which is “you can never not communicate,” so even not commenting is in its own way a comment by omission; that is, the absence of a comment communicates an idea. But sometimes I can’t find the blog of someone who has commented on mine, and I’ve learned not to have expectations of other bloggers but to view my writing as necessary for myself. Later this month I’ll likely quit the challenge—at least for a while—because I’ll be in China w/ a large group I’m responsible for and may not have internet access or time to post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it just might be apologia!! (A word I just had to look up.) Thanks for the comment and for the improved vocabulary! Your trip sounds fascinating. I hope you’ll find time to share a few slices from China.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your slice, in particular your poem, hit the nail on the head – capturing exactly how I’ve been feeling! The challenge began on a weekend and I’m having a hard time reading all that I want to read and respond to all that I want to respond to! I’m not sure how this is all going to play out on school days!??! Just going to do the best we can! Thanks for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was deeply grateful that we started on a weekend! I’m already nervous about report card week, which is quickly followed by parent teacher conferences. Yikes!
LikeLike
Oh wow! I feel this way too! Maybe it’s because our circle of writing friends is growing so big.
Your poem captures great feelings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for pointing out the positive here, Christine!
LikeLike
I love this poem and how you made it your own. This is my first time participating and I find myself thinking, as soon as I wake up, about my writing topic for the day and then reading the posts of other slicers. I guess the weekend has made it easier to do all of it before the day gets too crazy. I hope this school week does not make the process harder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome to the challenge, Cheryl! I think the most amazing thing about the challenge is how attuned you become to finding writing ideas. It’s also wonderful to connect with other like-minded bloggers. Have fun and happy writing!
LikeLike
I have felt this way as well… Unfortunately, time is always a factor, right?I think that it is about continuing to show up as a writer and then just commenting on what really moves you, right? AND…Your poem was gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Trina. I just am frustrated that I’m unable to read all the blogs I want to and respond to others as much as I’d wish. Still, it’s a great experience and I’m truly thankful for it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I think that we just need to focus on doing the best we can, right? I definitely don’t get to all that I want either
LikeLike
I think you shared sentiments we can all agree upon! There’s just not enough time. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this poem- captures my feelings for sure. I hate that I never have time to do all the commenting I would like. I have 7 new slicers I am commenting on and I wish I could do more than that (and some days I just can’t).
LikeLiked by 1 person
An abundance of riches, I guess!
LikeLike
What a great slice-your poem says so eloquently what I think so many of us feel. I’d love to have time to read EVERYONE’S slices. There are so many fantastic posts, but it’s just not realistic. Your apologia is beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Paula. And now I know what apologia means, too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love false apology poems…and yours is great! I feel the same way you do. But it’s okay. Just get to the ones you can. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing but a true apology here! I love Joyce Sidman’s book though. Those poems are wonderful mentor texts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! I created a spreadsheet instead of a poem but I am going a little crazy and it is only day 4. Margaret over at Reflections on the Teche wrote today about forgiving yourself, you’re apologizing, I’m procrastinating on my own writing. Oof! This challenge is, well, challenging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a spreadsheet to keep track of commenting on my Welcome Wagon slicers. Otherwise it’s a crapshoot! lol It is fun knowing that we’re all floudering and flourishing together 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Yes. This is just to say…”what you said,” It’s hard to manage. I find it particularly challenging because I’m very random in my approach to commenting. I didn’t join the Welcome Wagon because I was worried I’d let someone down. I do like the reading and the commenting and the commenting. It’s just hard to do it all well…and teach, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLike
You are not alone in this, Molly. Teaching, writing, posting, commenting, and having a home life is so much to juggle. Nobody is counting comments or slices, so just be good to yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christie!
LikeLike
Beautifully written. I know we all try to do everything. You are forgiven, whatever gets done is enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I hear you! I actually set an alarm today for my reading and commenting…. and it just went off, as I’m commenting on your post. Have a blessed evening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An alarm might be a really good idea!
LikeLike
As a new slicer, I have come to appreciate your sentiments. Beautiful poem that speaks volumes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been enjoying your blog as well. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, and welcome to the Challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful. I feel your struggle and can relate. I’m a new first time mom and currently staying home with my boy. So I try to spend time while he’s awake playing and exploring and get sucked into everyday tasks when he naps. I try not to be on my phone and computer a lot around him but how I wish I could read so much more of these slices!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and congratulations on your new baby! What an exciting time for you! Time spent with your little boy definitely trumps time spent reading and commenting! How wonderful that you’ll be capturing some of these special early days in writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had my students write apology poems last year, inspired by William Carlos Williams. It’s such a fun way to express your regrets! (I get the not enough time sentiment–I’m feeling it too! It’s all I can do to keep up with writing…I try to comment on a few a day and then one more!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the problem is, like Christie said, I “know” so many more slicers now. I almost feel like I’m ignoring or even snubbing friends when I don’t read and respond to their posts!
LikeLike
Pure and simple honesty here! I can relate! Beautiful, clean verse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Fran!
LikeLike
I echo this sentiment as well. “Forgive me
the sheer volume
delights
and overwhelms”
Being on break this week is helping but it’s still overwhelming.
LikeLike