This poem always inspires me to get outside with my kids. I've had it up on my fridge for a couple of years now. There have been many days when I've been stopped in my tracks as I reflect while reading it. Its helped me prioritize my "to-do" list for the day. What is the best thing I could be doing for my kids and myself? Hope you enjoy it also-
I Took His Hand and Followed
Mrs. Roy L. Peifer
My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn’t make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.
Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I,
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky.
We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood.
My kitchen wasn’t swept today,
But life was sweet and good.
We found a cool sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest
Where fern and larkspur grow.
We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill,
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky;
We plucked a daffodil.
That my house was neglected,
That I didn’t sweep the stair,
In twenty years no one on earth
Will know or even care.
But that I’ve helped a little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years the whole wide world
May look and see and know.
I love that poem..and I need that reminder often!
ReplyDeletegreat poem! great blog! great idea! my friend serena sent me a link to your site and I am excited to see where everything goes! I guess I feel intimidated to start something on my own without a background like yours! I have a teaching background, but not in teaching about nature! I would love to read more about how you approach each week and how you plan. Is each hike in a new place? did you say how many days a week you meet? I have a ton a questions but I will leave it at that for now!
ReplyDeletetiffany, in maryland.
I'm going to give this poem to my co-teacher...she shares the same perspective with her three kids. She will probably cry because she likes it so much. Thanks Sara!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem and reminder! Thanks, Sara!We sure have missed our friends at Nature school the past year! We are excited to come join in, with our new baby in tow! Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDelete