I complain repeatedly about teaching, about how I am in no
way designed to teach kids. Now that I
am no longer teaching at college I wanted to remember all those wonderful young
people that I had the privilege to meet along the way. In particular, I wanted to thank the parents
of such youngsters. Believe me we all
owe them a debt of gratitude, because of their actions the world is a brighter
place. So this poem is dedicated to all
of you parents and the gems you have helped brighten the world with. I wish they weren't so rare!
Gems
Some kids are like that
Sure eyed, full of love and life
Eyes register
Hearts absorb all
Minds weigh things carefully
Discard the dross and pack the good
I want to meet their parents
Thank them for this miracle
A sound head on a good heart
Well done, well done indeed
No one may ever tell you
But I see a job well done
Yearly, hourly every second reinforced
Never sure of the right path
But finding the best inside
Cultivating a soul worth meeting
Protecting a seed in difficult days
What a delight to discover that knowing eye
Who loves Attiticus and justice
Feels on all wavelength and yet
Laughs and helps with ease
They make life sweet for the rest of us
With their good humour and balance
Always ready to laugh, to live, to light the way
In class, I despair of hurtfulness
Twisted anger, bullying, mindless sameness
Fashion fatigue, surface preoccupation
Following sheep like, juice and drug escape
Then there they are, a delight to mind and heart
This sweet spring of goodness and hope
Among the weeds, unexpected, glowing
They light my day
Much thanks for these gems
You have mined well and fashioned facets to catch the light
