It was my fourth week on the job.
I was nervous to see Le Miserablé
Khalil who cut his finger
and had to go home in the cold winter.
But he was not present,
Tools to him likely now quite unpleasant.
I watched everyone else real close.
Ready at any moment to interpose.
But it was a fairly quiet day,
With limited opportunity for disarray.
However I did stop this one kid
From trying to paint shut another kid’s eyelids.
As they are wont to do
Waiting for dried up glue.
I’m the silent guardian.
I don’t need an audience.
A watchful protector.
BJM makerspace helper.
A dark knight.
Keeping kids safe like a lymphocyte.
— Hartek, the Bard
I really enjoyed your poem of your time as a helper at the BJM Elementary school. Kids are so unpredict
I really enjoyed your poem of your time as a helper at the BJM Elementary school. Kids are so unpredictable sometimes and although their intentions can be in the wrong mindset sometimes it is important to take into consideration what they say, and find a way to redirect what they’re doing. As a volunteer in the maker’s place were there are kids doing all different types of things it is important to keep track of everyone and keep a watchful eye and be their “dark knight.”
I can learn a lot from kids through volunteering, too. They challenge our values that we are comfortable with but have no idea why we are keeping those. When you are working with them, you also have to be careful of your influence on them. And I agree with all the roles that you are taking on–it is a lot of responsibilities, but a thank you or smile from them compensates for everything.
I have worked with kids for many summers, and understand the fear that can somehow appear. There is also a sixth sense that develops when something is about to happen. I loved your poem! Good luck with the kids.