Words not Thought, but Felt

As a retired teacher
I think back to the many times
I was asked why I write poetry
but don’t teach it.
My response,
“I don’t know how to”.
Truth is, I tried
but didn’t get very far.

If I could go back and reteach
I believe I’d do a better job.
I’d ask students to just write
without rhythm or rhyme,
any thoughts they were thinking.
Then I’d ask them to reread,
crossing out extra words
or phrases that didn’t say much,
while highlighting those
that stood out
by making them feel something.
They’d add comma for a pause,
explore synonyms,
and when they’d hit a nerve
I would ask them to dig deeper.

I imagine, I see their faces.
Eyes springing open
while a breathe is held,
as poem leaps out from page.
A mirrored image,
not of the mind, but of the heart.