Reading
Untitled Poem by Beth Strano
Read this poem by Beth Strano with your students to consider what a brave classroom community looks like.
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- English & Language Arts
- History
- Social Studies
- Culture & Identity
There is no such thing as a “safe space” —
We exist in the real world.
We all carry scars and have caused wounds.
This space
seeks to turn down the volume of the world outside,
and amplify voices that have to fight to be heard elsewhere,
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our space together,
and we will work on it side by side. 1
- 1Beth Strano, "Untitled," posted to Facebook June 25, 2021. We originally posted a version of this poem attributed to Mickey ScottBey Jones. After learning that Jones' version was plagiarized, we have replaced it with the original poem by Beth Strano. Please use Strano's version going forward.
How to Cite This Reading
Facing History & Ourselves, “Untitled Poem by Beth Strano,” last updated August 9, 2023.
This reading contains text not authored by Facing History & Ourselves. See footnotes for source information.
Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening.
—
Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif