Happy New Year!

To say we are happy to see the back of 2020 is an understatement. More than ever, we meet this new January with jubilation - and rightly so. Yet, what exactly changes with the turning of this terrible year? The inflection point on which the pundits have had us poised these many months has taken on the feel and shape of permanent residence. We want to be optimistic, but…

Several weeks ago, in thinking about this month’s column, I realized what I most want to offer you right now is the inspiration to sustain your optimism. I myself derive my own inspiration these days from the seventh graders I teach both in person and remotely. These twelve- and thirteen-year-olds buoy me every day with their hopefulness, humor, flexibility, and wisdom.

And, so, in a departure from the usual, this month’s Poem of the Month is a modified pantoum comprised of my students' many, varied voices. Here’s their advice for how to carry on during this still difficult time. They and I wish you a healthy and gentle 2021.

Pantoum for the Pandemic

Wear a mask so COVID will be over soon

Keep positive, stay calm, breathe

Dance with your friends on Zoom

Savor time with family

Keep positive, stay calm, breathe

Find fun things to do

Savor time with family

They understand what you are going through

Find fun things to do

The not-so-great stuff will fade when you focus on a task

Everyone understands what you are going through --

A totally different way of living, socially distanced, in a mask --

The not-so-great stuff will fade when you focus on a task

Stay in touch, set goals, go for walks in the sun

Yes, it’s a totally different way of living, socially distanced, in a mask

Look forward to good things (like new anime releases!) in 2021

Stay in touch, set goals, go for walks in the sun

Hop on Tiktok or Insta, dance with friends on Zoom

Look forward to good things to come in 2021

And wear a mask so COVID will be over soon

“Pantoum for the Pandemic” incorporates the direct words, lines, and sentiments generously volunteered for this project by Miri B., Mitra A., Lucas G., Ben C., Makenzie M., Kyle D., Jack C., Jill C., Giuliana A., Gabby R., Ali P., Carmen P., Anthony S., Adam L., Kyle R., Olivia M., Peter P., Matt M., Ava C., Taylor O., Maya M., Emerson M., Amelia I., Emily L., and Julia G. All attend public school in the Boston area.