Below is a copy of the poem I wrote for my Seniors as part of their graduation present. As I am saying goodbye to so many of them, I am reminded how hard it is to lose a vital person in your life. These kids have been through so much with me the last two years. Some of them became as close of siblings to me. I love them dearly and will feel the lack in my life.
The English Teacher
This tale is true, and is mine.
It tells of love, found
Not in treasure gotten or knowledge gained,
But in a classroom gleaned.
It tells of a journey, God’s growth-journey
And the fellow travelers met along the way
In J-102, where love was found
In sister-encouragers,
Laura, Felicia and Catherine.
Those who were unknowingly sent
By God to lend strength
To tired hands and a faint heart.
In fellow soul-artists, seekers of truth.
David, viewing the world through a lens,
Enabling others to catch his Vision.
Dori, yearning to design, create, and impact in loving imitation of her Creator.
In word-workers like Michael, Keilah, Jeni, and Jim
Whose images made me learn, laugh, and cry.
Whose poetic way of expression framed life exquisite and verbal snapshots
Seemed to stick like a song lyric.
In picture-painters, those who used images to express and experiment
Elsa and Elijah – modern day DaVincis
Watching, Waiting, Working with Whatever medium they can find.
Crafting, Creating, Communicating who They are and what they will be.
Displaying a beauty I could never physically create
But for which I will always yearn
In Rebeca, Micah, and Ben, my Smile-givers, a physical action
Acknowledging acceptance and Bestowing belonging on an eccentric Educator who many times felt unsure, unsteady, as if my sea legs would never come.
In the grace of quiet-keepers, those with much to share
Yet little to say. Sarah, Andy, and Spencer –
The ones who keep me laughing at their remarks,wondering at their personalities, and rejoicing in their fellowship.
Their presence is always felt even when they choose to be unheard.
And now what more can I give you but some famous last lines?
Penned by others, now plagiarized by me.
Carpe Diem – Gather ye rose buds while ye may,
But store up your treasures in heaven.
Do not go gentle into that good night -
Press on toward the prize before you.
And remember that love was not ultimately found in the arms of Porphyria’s Lover
But in the outstretched embrace
of a cross.
May 21, 2007
