She So Funny: In Spite of Much

Some people know me as a poet whose poetry is often funny. Some know me as a comic who is more sensitive than insensitive. Some have heard my prose and never imagined I did the other things. For years, in my neighborhood, I was known as "Charlie's mother." Then there are folks who know me as an actress and only that way.

In actuality these years, most of my waking time is spent being a teacher for adults who need to complete their basic education. It's a special group. Many things in life can and do throw a person off track. Students come with all sorts of life challenges. So do teachers, for that matter.

The day after I sprained my ankle, a student in one of the programs where I work (though not a student of mine) suffered a fatal tragedy. This was compounded some days later by a vicious verbal attack on the person no longer here, and it was done on social media by a person who only knew the deceased person through our program, which he named. He implied we'd agree with his view of things. It was awful.

I am fortunate to be able to work for programs where I can usually close the door and create a cocoon of sorts where different degrees of healing and learning takes place. For the most part, it is a mutually positive experience. This morning was our end-of-year celebration. I was in charge of the party. Other staff and some students helped a lot for which I was grateful.

Some people know me as a sad and heavy-hearted person, which I am. Some people know me as someone who plays and laughs and causes laughter. I am that too. Like my mother, I try to create fun in spite of much. I will always credit her for that.