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Head of the Class

My heart sank That buttery sweet voice summoning me to the front of the class I stood there chalk in hand shoulders slumped The question you asked for the answer you knew You chose not to teach rather to embarrass I was not a welcome guest Hallowed halls of learning not my home I stared emotionless blackboard covered in dust Laughter filled the room Still I could shrink no further oh how I wished to disappear You called on one of the special ones perfect clothing perfect smile a joy to behold She removed the burden from my hand I returned to my place of shame sitting at the head of the class

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Mari Banks

Date: 6/8/2013 1:40:00 PM

Richard, I love this. So much depth of feeling conveyed in so few lines! I am a teacher educator and I will SO share this with my students as we talk about how (or how NOT to) to build relationships with students. Thank you. m

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 6/8/2013 1:45:00 PM

Hi Marie I am honored that you wish to share my poem with your class. Hugs Rick. What subject and age group do you teach?

Richard D Seal

Date: 4/7/2013 6:06:00 AM

Sorry to read this Richard, must admit I had some hard lessons at school. You get good and bad teachers, just wished I hadn't been such a daydreamer. You put this feeling over very well in this write, well done. Take care, Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/8/2013 6:29:00 PM

Thanks Richard. Time can be the great equalizer.

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 4/6/2013 6:14:00 PM

I don't know why you wrote this poem. To me you are very smart. I was never at the head of the class. Thanks for sharing......Lucilla

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/6/2013 11:20:00 PM

My teacher had me at the head(front) of the class to keep an eye on me. Part of my past that thankfully has long passed.

Voahanitriniaina Rabary-Andriamanday

Date: 4/5/2013 8:55:00 PM

O THIS BLACK BLACKBOARD... But God has His own way and I'm happy you are now, not at the head of the class, but at the front, teaching in such a wonderful hearty way because you know what suffering IS. Very nice piece, Rick! You are a treasure on the Soup! Hugs, Hanitra

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/6/2013 7:31:00 AM

I am moved by your words Hanitra.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/5/2013 1:26:00 PM

This pained me very much, Richard. Just want you to know that I did read it. I find it hard to comment. Good write.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/5/2013 7:24:00 PM

Thanks Eileen a little piece of the past.

Carrie Richards

Date: 4/5/2013 9:29:00 AM

Wow, this breaks the heart of every child (or adult) that has ever felt this way.....the feelings of shame, embarassment, is something one never forgets........and the lack of understanding from those who never have experienced such a feeling.....compounds the pain. Excellent poem!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/5/2013 9:43:00 AM

Thanks Carrie, all worked out well in the end.

Harry Horsman

Date: 4/5/2013 2:55:00 AM

wow Richard so visual, although i have been down the same road, so i could feel the poem also...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/5/2013 6:57:00 AM

I am sorry to hear that Harry. Things do have a way of equaling out in the end.

Colleen Bono

Date: 4/4/2013 8:49:00 PM

thank you for your kind words.just when I think I got it under control something gives me a hard shove and I start all over.take care.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/5/2013 6:58:00 AM

I am still praying for you this morning.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/4/2013 8:19:00 PM

wow, I LOVE how you made yourself head of the class. Great tongue in cheek!!! This is excellent writing. It's obvious from your writing, you had talent that she just didn't see.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/4/2013 8:36:00 PM

Thanks Andrea that is a nice thing to say.