Shakespeare, Woodsworth, Poe and 11 year olds who have found their voice

Today I had a coffee shop in my grade six classroom.  We've been working on poetry for a month and today was the day to bring in our parents (and others) and share our home made poetry with them.  The kids were very excited about the coffee and snacks (oh yes - we had coffee.  Starbucks would be jealous we had so many options!) but I was having to force most of them to share just one eenzy, weenzy poem with the group.  By the time each one had a turn and I allowed for volunteers to share second or third poems, we had to keep going double the time we had already gone.  Everyone was suddenly thrilled to share their poetic thoughts!  It reaffirms in my mind and teaching practice and life practice that sometimes we need a little (or big -  "do it or you fail" push) to take that leap of sheer terror and try something new.  Most of us will find out that it's no so bad after all, some will sigh in relief and try it again and some will embrace the new found skill and not let go!  So watch out world, I've just released 30 new budding poets who are going to take the world by storm.  A.  (good to see you back J.  You had me concerned!)