A Lesson In Physics

On the theme of rainbows, thank you gram for the inspiration.

Whenever I consider rainbows

a brass bell bellows in my ear, I hear

reflection, refraction, dispersal

or chalk sticks screeching on blackboard.

I rarely contemplate their fine hues

arching through the grateful heavens,

descending into an elusive clay pot

overspilling with gleaming gold.

I recall white dust between fingers,

italic writing, the slow crossing of t's,

a twinkle in his soon to be retired eyes

and the green, green grass of his valleys.

This phenomenon takes me to school,

rule books, black bat gowns, Taffy Evans

with his soft Welsh drawl crawling,

yes crawling down my teenage spine.

Richard of York gained battles in vain,

that's the order for the seven colours.

Stamp that into your head he said

and you'll have it licked, and I did.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of Miss Kelly, my second grade teacher at Holy Spirit in the Bronx.
And how she would say she was going to "Box your ears in" when we got wrong answers.
Scary woman...and then I moved from NY in third grade, and lo and behold, got post cards and letters from her up until she died...she seemed quite old when we had her for class...and that she hated everyone.
How could i have known in second grade...it was "tough love"--she made me smarter...at least for awhile.
thanks for the trip back...as I read your piece...
the physics was how close her knuckles were to my ears. Distance vs. smack.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing Jacob and for how physics came in to your relationship with Miss Kelly. Tough love indeed. Ouch, I felt those knuckles.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Unfortunately I was hardly ever at school due to childhood asthma. I did enjoy reading your reminiscing of those days.. maybe I should think myself lucky not dealing with harsh teachers lol
Kind regards Katrina

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Katrina. I was sorry to hear ill health kept you away from school. I actually have very fond memories of my school days even though there was much discipline.Keep safe in these troubled times.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

My pleasure I enjoyed reading your writings. :)

[Fairy Khan]

Took me back to my school days. Nicely penned.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fairy. I appreciate you and your visit. All good things.

Chris

[Beccy]

A scientist will tell you that A rainbow is simply a meteorological phenomenon, caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets, and as such, does not actually exist. Whereas, a poet will tell you that a rainbow is actually god creating a painting in the sky for his children to enjoy. Here endeth the first lesson. :))

Loved this!

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Beccy, your response to these lines made me smile. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best in these troubled days.

Chris

[Eilis]

I had many a teacher who made an impression on me, so I really love how you frame this memory, Chris. I don’t remember a rainbow lesson, but I remember my third grade teacher reading us books after lunch, or my high school English teacher giving me a hug every morning and calling me her bubbala. And of course there were the teachers who garnered little crushes. Had a history teacher who looked like Eddie Murphy and used to let us listen to the radio while working in class, and would himself dance around the classroom in his leather pants. Haha.

Wow, haven’t thought about those things in ages, but your evocative memory painting just took me back. The storytelling reminds me of Seamus Heaney a bit and his school poems.

Some things we never forget and they return fresh and vivid as ever when something triggers them. Love the way Gram’s rainbow poem inspired you. Very glad to read this bit of comforting nostalgia today.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you found comfort in my piece of nostalgia Eilis. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was very happy at school. Yes I was thankful for gram triggering this one. Take care.

Chris

[gram linski]

liked the evocative story telling, Chris, that harsh stark education system trying to describe the natural beauty of refracted light holding all the colours in it's curvature, glad I could help prompt your memory a wee bit, thanks for the cool poem,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you gram for both the visit and the inspiration. Your rainbow poem triggered this effort. All good things.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of Miss Kelly, my second grade teacher at Holy Spirit in the Bronx.
And how she would say she was going to "Box your ears in" when we got wrong answers.
Scary woman...and then I moved from NY in third grade, and lo and behold, got post cards and letters from her up until she died...she seemed quite old when we had her for class...and that she hated everyone.
How could i have known in second grade...it was "tough love"--she made me smarter...at least for awhile.
thanks for the trip back...as I read your piece...
the physics was how close her knuckles were to my ears. Distance vs. smack.
j.

[Ted Kniffen]

I would take it that this refers to a favourite teacher from years gone by. Those school days seem so far away now...a lifetime ago and yet the memory lingers on.

But, what do psychics have to do with it? ;>}

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted for your visit. Hope you are keeping safe and well in these troubled times. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

All is well at the moment Chris.
Take care...be safe.