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Open Poetry #23
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Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989


0 posted 2002-10-16 09:45 PM





    
Mrs. Haas.

I remember so well her lady
prim and proper school teacher appearance.
She had this ability to make one stiffen
in their seat when she would
peer over the rim of her glasses.
All to often they would rest
upon the tip of her nose making her look
years older than she actually was.

Teaching in an old fashioned way,
she commanded respect from her students.
In return she was respected even more so
for her ability not just to teach,
but to reach.

Oh, how I hated Grammar classes!
She drilled those rules into our heads.
(Funny with the passing of time
how quickly they can be forgotten.)
Let’s talk English Literature though!
Oh, how I loved it!  There were times
when I was amazed at the depth
of her knowledge.  Her ability
to spark a student’s interest
was downright uncanny.

I haven’t seen Mrs. Haas
since graduation day.
Every now and then I think
about those days.  In my thoughts
I wonder if it could be possible
that because one teacher
dared not just to teach, but to reach,
that perhaps…
yes, just perhaps
she was the reason that
another poet was born.


{Dedicated to my senior English Literature
teacher Doris Haas.}




If I have touched one heart through my words, then I have acheived my dream...

[This message has been edited by Gentle Spirit (10-17-2002 01:49 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 dmsmith - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2002-10-16 09:52 PM



I have maintained a 32 year long relationship with a teacher who changed my life.  Write her a letter, include a poem.  You will brighten her day, believe me.

majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area
2 posted 2002-10-16 09:59 PM


what a great tribute. i bet she would have been overjoyed to hear it.
Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
3 posted 2002-10-16 10:07 PM


Donna, I'd like to print this out for my daughter if you don't mind.

She's a new teacher and she would really value what you are imparting with this poem.

Linda

Auguste
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Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953
By the sea
4 posted 2002-10-16 10:09 PM


The first poem I ever wrote was done so as an assignment for English class.  Upon reading it my teacher, Mrs. Jackson, said it sounded too familiar, accused me of plagerism, gave me a failing grade and threw my poem in the garbage.  It took me four years after that incident before I was able to write again.  I much prefer your experience over my own, Donna. LOL

The stars will shine when I am gone,
the earth will turn on as before,
the gulls, still race along the shore,
the morning star, still kiss the dawn

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2002-10-16 10:17 PM




Yay!!! Oh my gosh, this brought a tear to my eye because it is sooooooo beautiful, sweet friend, I too consider my hero, other than Joanna, my sophomore year in high school English teacher Philippe Ernewein, who helped me find a gateway out of my deep depression and encourage me to express my feelings in poetry which has become all that is to me! (kiss on cheek) This is delightful, sweet friend, may this special friendship and inspiration last forever, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Donna, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Martie
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
6 posted 2002-10-16 10:20 PM


Donna

I know there are many teachers that have changed the lives of their students in one way or another for the better.  Mine was a math teacher named Lovey Coffman.  Thank you for reminding me to be greatful, and for this wonderful tribute to a teacher that opened doors for you.

garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
7 posted 2002-10-16 10:27 PM


Donna, this is a wonderful tribute to who sounds like a wonderful teacher. I enjoyed very much. Thanks for sharing.

Love To All,
Ethel

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

8 posted 2002-10-17 01:52 PM


Thank you all for your kindness and for a chance to put these thoughts to words.
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
9 posted 2004-05-03 04:33 AM


well done!
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