Teacher Responses from Gail Loane Course

Julie, Jan

Remember that time
when you were mowing the lawn
And the grass disappeared
and the daisy heads bobbed to avoid the blade
Remember how the grass smelled then
- juicy, sweet and fresh.
That was Summer.
(Keryn)

Remember that time when
you splashed in the river.
Your foot slipping on the slimy rock,
swaying and sliding across the bottom.
Remember how the icy water felt on your ankles,
the freshness stinging the nerves,
hair standing to attention as you took your first steps.
That was summer.
(Cheryl)

Remember that time
When we went to the crib
And the air hung heavy with the salty sea smell.
We relaxed and played
And swum and laughed.
Remember how the waves pushed and pulled,
tumbled and embraced us.
That was summer.
(Jack)




Remember that time
When you drew open the stiff curtains
And invited the sunlight in?
When you slipped the door open
And stepped out to appreciate
A warm face and quiet peace?
Remember how the air smelled then
Of sweet native bush and salty water
And a gentle lap of waves
Gave the reassurance of fun to come?
That was summer.
(Sue)

Remember that time
When you whooshed down the luge?
Racing every time.
Blood pulsating through your veins.
Hair slicking against your face.
Fingers clutching the handle bars
The adrenalin as you reached the bottom.
That was summer.
(Rosie)

Remember that time
When the nor'west wind made your head fuggy and
your body sluggish
No matter how much water you drank it never
quenched your thirst
Remember the arch of dusty grey cloud over the
panorama
Churning and mixed up over the harvesters
That was summer
(Helen)


Remember that time
when you went swimming in the ice cold lake
and you were finally cool.
Remember how the sun glistened off the water.
That was summer
(Emma)

Remember that time
When you flopped on the floor beside the cat
You were hot, lethargic, spent
You desperately tried to feel the cooling breeze on
your feet, your legs, your head
As it attempted to make its presence known
between the open doors
You looked outside
And saw the relentless palette of blue reflected
through the conservatory windows
Remember how hot and dry the air felt
That was summer.
(Deb)

Remember that time
When the garden was lush and full
Full of delicious, fresh vegetables
Ready to be picked
And you washed, chopped and cooked
Remember how wonderful they tasted?
All fresh and wholesome
That was summer
(Jess)

Remember that time
When you were trying to climb
Higher and higher
Despite your loss of breath?
You didnt know if you would
Make it but savoured the views.
Remember the feeling of elation
Once you finished the Tongariro Crossing?
That was summer.
(Jen)