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Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

0 posted 2002-11-24 05:56 PM

Glancing up as you began speaking
I was struck by the tone of your voice
the words certainly held conviction
it was clear you spoke by choice

Your eyes held a passionate fire
for the subject of which you spoke
transfixed and transpired I felt
the mood you tried to evoke

Coughs and sudden shifts of boredom
interrupted your speech to the class
but steadily you maintained your course
with only one sip from your water glass

When it was done, we were dismissed
but I, entranced, remained
watching you gather your scholarly things
my admiration for you unfeigned

You glanced at me as you left the room
I smiled and nodded my head
hoping you’d understand the words
that between us continue unsaid.

I never forgot your lecture sir
as I followed in the path you chose
like you, I became a teacher,
of eighteenth century poetry and prose.

Note: This was a fictional poem written several years ago.

Today I learned that my high school English teacher passed away last week and I wanted to repost it in her honor.

She was the first teacher to encourage me in my writing and had touched the lives of so many students. She never raised her voice in class...if the class was unruly, they eventually settled down to hear what she had to say. She was a tall imposing figure - she sat straight and walked straight. She was a lady in every sense of the word. She also had the unlikely first name of Dixie. She taught me to love Shakespeare - to read poetry and to write stories. Her husband was the doctor who delivered me so we were connected in several ways. She will be remembered by every student she ever taught - I was just one of many.

Rest in peace Dixie - and say hello to Shakespeare for me!

Salty
Senior Member

since 2002-11-23

Posts 669
Texas

1 posted 2002-11-24 06:03 PM

What an excellent tribute. This is what most every teacher hopes for... A little of them remaining in someone else. I bet she is smiling over you right now.

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

2 posted 2002-11-24 06:03 PM

(big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, this deeply touched my heart as I have someone just like Dixie who got me to start writing, who was my sophomore English teacher, but also my cross-country coach and close friend! His name was Philippe and has an amazing story I would love to write and publish in his honor someday! (sigh) This is beautiful, sweet friend, Dixie will always be so proud of you and cheers you on each day, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sharon, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

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

Shakira

scorpio
Member Ascendant

since 2002-10-02

Posts 5178
right...there

3 posted 2002-11-24 06:13 PM

A touching tribute...I enjoyed the write...You make her live on in everthing you write, Poet deVine..

...believe what your heart feels...

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

4 posted 2002-11-24 06:14 PM

Yes, Special Teachers should be remembered, and I can't count the number of Special Teachers I've encountered in my life...and I'm still finding them. This was a wonderful tribute, PdV...I am sorry for your loss, but so glad that you knew a teacher of her caliber...

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-09-23

Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown

5 posted 2002-11-24 06:31 PM

This is beautifully written, Sharon. And, a wonderful tribute.

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

6 posted 2002-11-24 06:34 PM

How well she is remembered here.

Thank you for sharing with us. ThisDiamond

Andrew Scott
Member Elite

since 1999-06-24

Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA

7 posted 2002-11-25 12:23 PM

A worthy testament to those who keep the fires burning. Without teachers to show us the light, this world would be a very dark place indeed. Peace to you and yours.

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

8 posted 2002-11-25 08:10 AM

This is one of the best I've seen of your works, Sharon - It's wonderful... As Dixie must have been... 'Tis a great tribute to her...

Cpat Hair

Member Patricius

since 2001-06-05

Posts 11793

9 posted 2002-11-25 08:15 AM

a tribute I am sure she would have been honored to know of... my sadness for your loss.

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