I AM ALL BUT A FADED MEMORY

It’s been ninety days,
since I retired.

I miss my colleagues
and to all those who
became nothing less
than my extended
family but don’t
miss the stress of work,
deadlines or long hours.

My only struggle,
is trying to find
my new normal day,
as I have not found
routine or schedule.

There’s not been a day
where my new schedule,
opened to boredom.

As I predicted,
the moment I walked
out the office door,
the very last time
my legacy’s sealed.   

 

Before my seat cools,
my position’s filled,
with a new body,
assuming my role
and carving a niche
of their very own.

My name and tenure
faded away quick,
as if it dissolved
into the thin air.

When spoken about,
the few remember
my smile and tales,
of many years passed;
all the positions,
I held in my years,
and the changes seen
in my just over
forty and half years.

When I go visit,
it all looks the same
but upon looking
beneath the surface
time changed everything
including people.

To those remaining,
my name is still heard,
as a once has been,
while they resume,
pushing papers then
typing memos and
carrying on chats.

As more time passes,
I will continue
to fade away and
eventually be
invisible like
the air amongst us.

THERE’S NO PLATITUDE IN GRATITUDE

I came into your class knowing it all,

You greeted me, while I proudly stood tall.

I watched in amazement, your one act play,

You performed perfectly, for me each day.

 

I seemed to always have something to say,

You looked up, as I was about to say.

“I’m caught up with all classwork and homework”,

You asked, if I wished to show all my work.

 

I took my seat, a pop quiz greeted me,

You did not say, but your face said you knew.

I stared at my paper, filled with unknowns,

You called time, asked papers be turned face down.

 

I shared my thoughts with my friends after class,

You walked past me, knowing I did not pass.

I frowned at my grade, then I took a chance,

You listened, as I did my song and dance.

 

I heard you say what you would recommend,

You firmly said, what you say may offend.

I tried to hold back tears, anger and strife,

You stole what was left of my high school life.

 

I welcomed your offer, stayed after school,

You gave your time without losing your cool.

I left, with no choice, but to change today,

You stood by me, showing an improved way.

 

I recalled no matter how hard I tried,

You kept me focused, even when I cried.

I aimed for perfection in every quest,

You explained, all you wanted was my best.

 

I often reflect back to your lectures,

You helped me look past my imperfections.

I felt a slight spark of my light in class,

You showed me how to get the grades to pass.

 

I looked back, when I thought you won the race,

You grinned, as I now shined within your grace.

I completed my final high school days,

You cheerfully hugged me and offered praise.

 

I see the same boy coming to your class,

You saw my future through your looking glass.

I know, I wouldn’t be where I am now,

You did somehow but I still don’t know how.

 

I saw a grown man exit the classroom,

You always mentioned to me, don’t assume,

I finished a college degree or two,

You heard of everything I was up to.

 

I found out, years after graduation,

You rebuilt and reinforced my foundation.

I celebrated my success with you,

You were always the first one I’d run to.

 

I wished, I danced with you on your last dance,

You granted so many, a second chance.

I wished, I sang with you on your last song,

You shared your time, helping others along.

 

I asked for a date with just you and I,

You really wanted to know my why.

I struggled finding the right words to share,

You suggested, I start off with a prayer.

 

I did not want to give more platitude,

You deserved more than just my gratitude.

I hoped to stop by and thank you today,

You questioned me, with what I had to say.

 

I was too busy getting through today,

You guided my tomorrow, yesterday.

I shock everyone, when I say I teach,

You seemed to know; it was within my reach.

 

I delivered my daily assignment,

You arrived tardy, stirring excitement.

I greeted you, like long lost family,

You reciprocated substantially.

 

I saw the hands of time turn back some years,

You taught a lesson, my eyes filled with tears.

I reminisced, being in your classroom,

You told my class, about watching me bloom.

 

I realized now why my students laughed,

You presented what you choreographed.

I started singing and dancing with you,

You gleamed, as I taught my lesson anew.

 

I first heard the calling back in high school,

You reminded me, follow my heart’s rule.

I will be forever in debt to you,

You’re my why, I’m a teacher just like you.