Master Facilitator

I wrote this after a poet friend of mine described the scene of a writers workshop he was supposedly facilitating.

The conversations were lively,
excitement filled the air
as cautiously the scribes did gather
weary of Covid fears.

Among these lovely ladies
a gentleman strong and true,
held up his hand to get their attention
thinking that alone would do.

Alas his gesture went unheeded
and although the chatter grew dim,
these gentile ladies nodded sweetly
but kept ignoring him.

Then with a sigh he put his hand down
thinking “maybe I’ll try again later.”
Thus is the life and glorious role
of the Master Facilitator.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Such a different and witty slant on the art of facilitating: working hard to make life easier for others! Or.. could be a hard working person's mistaken gift to the idle so-and-sos who sit waiting for life to drop on their laps like magic!

[Dara]

What makes it even more humorous is the personality of the person ‘in charge’. A mixture of poet and comedian. Oh to be a fly on the wall during one of their sessions. :-D

[emmajoygreen]

Let me know when you're given permission, I'll joins you, Dara!

[Dara]

:-))))))))

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Your poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the joys and challenges of being a facilitator in a group setting. The way that you describe the excitement and energy of the gathering, tempered by the weariness and anxiety caused by the Covid pandemic, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human beings in the face of adversity. The image of the gentleman holding up his hand to get the attention of the group, only to be ignored and then resignedly putting his hand down, is a powerful reminder of the difficulties that can arise in group dynamics, even among well-meaning and intelligent people. Your use of language and imagery is both evocative and precise, and I think your poem captures the essence of what it means to be a facilitator in a way that is both insightful and moving. Overall, I think your poem is a beautiful tribute to the art of facilitation, and I hope that it inspires others to appreciate the challenges and rewards of this important role.

[Dara]

Thank you so much! I am very honored to have you take the time to read and review my writing. I look forward to reading yours as well. It’s such a pleasure to make another friend in poetry. :-)

[Vol]

Dara,
This reminds me of my last years as a teacher. That profession has lost all respect, and the person in front of the class is helpless against the tide of unrestrained hormones and becomes almost irrelevant, facilitating nothing.
Vol

[Dara]

I can relate having been a teacher myself! If the general population even experienced half of it they would understand why we say teachers are underpaid. I hope you have been enjoying your retirement though!

[Vol]

Dara,
Retirement is BUSY! Before the lawyers and government interfered, I LOVED my classroom, and would still be there if I could do what the state licensed me to do because I passed all their requirements. At the end they assumed we were all incompetent and thought they could do it better... with no training.

[Dara]

That is so sad. It’s one of the reasons retired as soon as I could. With all the regulations it took the fun and spontaneity out of teaching. I taught Special Ed., how bout you?

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You are so funny.

That one made me laugh... for real... not kidding!

Great poem.

;)

[Dara]

If you had met this lovely gentleman you would have had an even bigger chuckle. He is something else indeed. :-D

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Awww... Now you're getting into my soft side...

;)

Loved to meet him...

Take care,

[Lydia Shutter]

When a bunch of poets get together, there is no stopping the conversations and idea sharing. Your friend was fighting a losing battle! You brought us to the scene with the imagery you employed. A fun write. Lydi**

[Dara]

By the sounds of it the creativity flows and this gentle giant, as they often refer to him, says it’s like wrangling a group of cats. They are all highly intelligent and outspoken. Of course he loves every minute of it. :-))

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha ...he needed a Sargent at Arms, Dara! ... or a little more umph in his facilitator :)))))))))
E.

[Dara]

Yes indeed. :-D Knowing him and his personality ( just a big teddy bear) makes it all the more humorous.

[Einstein Noodle]

:) .......................

[W. Barrett Munn]

For some reason this brings to mind The Music Man and Pick a Little,Talk a Little. The facilitator needs to promote a boy’s band because oh, yes, he’s got trouble.
Winston

[Dara]

Oh yes, I remember that scene. I am picturing it my mind and comparing it to this scenario and definitely getting a good chuckle with it!

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

They probably all too engrossed in what they going to order from Uber delivery eats for lunch or dinner
I enjoyed

[Dara]

Lol, that could very well be. He is a gentle giant and I am sure they are well aware of it and use it to their advantage. Thanks so much for your input. :-))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I often think some of my students nod their heads in agreement, yet they absolutely have no idea what I just said...
facilitating....pretending to teach while students pretend to learn.
j.

[Dara]

Great analogy Jacob. At least your students sound awake and attentive. Probably not so much if they had partied the night before. :-) I am sure however, that you have a lot of interesting topics to share.