Reflections of Hope in “My Mother’s Eyes”

Welcome to day 4 of the October open write for educators! We are so glad you are here. Read the inspiration, process, and mentor poem below, and then scroll to the bottom to compose your poem. Please respond to at least three other poets.

Inspiration

Looking into a mirror or even catching a glimpse of yourself in a darkened window allows you to see yourself objectively and, depending on the circumstance, subjectively. The image we see can be practical, if we are grooming our hair, or produce an emotional response, if we find ourselves looking inward. What visions, emotions, experiences, hopes, and dreams, however, might emerge from the reflections of ourselves we find in the eyes of another? What do they see in us that we may not see in ourselves? How might hope spring from those reflections?

Today let’s ask students to listen to the words of the Chilean-American author Marjorie Agosín. In her poem “My Mother’s Eyes,” Agosín shares the hope she sees for herself in the reflections of her mother’s eyes.

Marjorie Agosín begins her poem: “My Mother’s Eyes”:

My mother’s eyes
are cities
where birds
nest
where voyages of the ill-fated
come to rest
where water is a mirror
of sung secrets.

Explore the places these eyes have seen and the unique qualities held in the eyes. Use those moments to shed light on lessons learned as well as adversity they have overcome. Seek, in those perceptions, the qualities you admire that are transmitted and, therefore, reflected back to you.

A writer’s composition is strengthened by the intentional choices made and the effect of those choices on a reader. As a composer of images and words, a writer is in control and powerful pieces are crafted when the author reveals their unique (and sometimes unexpected) perspective that seeks to uplift oneself and others.

Process

Read “My Mother’s Eyes” and welcome her words into the classroom to set the tone for inspiration and let Marjorie Agosín lead the way. Like Agosín, ask students to begin their poem with “My mother’s eyes…” and see where you end up.

What do you think they see? What do you see when you look at her?

Or, change out the person: “My friend’s eyes…,” “My grandfather’s eyes…,” “My significant other’s eyes…,” etc. Choose the eyes that inspire hope, peace, grace, joy, or a sense of belonging for you.

Andy’s Poem

“My Grandmother’s Eyes (Inspired by Marjorie Agosín)” by Andy Schoenborn

Photo by Andy Schoenborn

I

My grandmother’s eyes
are rolling pastures
where roots
grip tradition
where neighbors weary of work
come to rest
where the good earth is keeper
of whispered words.

II

My grandmother’s eyes
are rolling pastures
of coarse corn
strengthening the grip
of a calloused hand.
I approach them
and on the threshold of her eyes
a boy is looking
for himself in the clear blue skies,
in soft sands of insecurity.

In my grandmother’s eyes
I also encounter myself
because into them
I move,
to find the steady rhythm of peace
and love
in rolling pastures endured, with humility, for me.

Our Host

Andy Schoenborn is an award-winning author and high school English teacher in Michigan at Clare Public Schools. He focuses his work on progressive literacy methods including student-centered critical thinking, digital collaboration, and professional development. He is a past-president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, Vice President for the Michigan Reading Association, and teacher consultant for the Chippewa River Writing Project. His first book, co-authored with Dr. Troy Hicks, Creating Confident Writers was published in 2020. Follow him on Twitter @aschoenborn.