A Day In the Esl Lab

Made it into 
the 
community 
college 
where I have worked for 
          many years 
Stopped off for a large 
          green tea 
  before dealing with 
my Bengali students 
   who are trying hard 
to speak and write in 
     English 
I ask them how 
         to 
         say 
"hello" in Bengali 
Later, I give them grammar 
        exercises 
  Query them about the leadership 
       of Bangla Desh 
The young Bengali woman says 
       I'm just an ordinary person 
which I take to mean she doesn't seek 
       power 
A new student arrives later on 
I ask her where she is form 
She says "The Sudan"
  I ask - "Wasn't there a war there?"
She replies that Southern Sudan 
      is a separate country now 
Trouble in distant lands 
   affects us all nowadays 
             The young woman says 
she has to leave for a class
I but another green tea 
   and take a deep breath 
The day rolls on
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Promise Avatar
December 28, 2015 at 12:26 AM
Thanks Matthew for commenting on my poem "Hello". Thanks for sharing about the ESL Lab. I used to teach Elementary and Middle School, but teaching English to someone who has to translate into his/her language first before replying to you or doing a lesson; must be a challenge at times for teacher as well as student. Nice work and best wishes.
Kendrick Avatar
December 3, 2015 at 9:47 AM
I wonder if I could learn correct English in an ESL lab..LOL..I tried to show a student around the college campus who was from Viet Nam..She could read the English text book but could barely speak English at all..In her country she was studying to become a doctor, here she was working in a sewing room at Carter's..Enjoyed reading your work..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Maverick Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 11:10 PM
and long may it so roll for you Matthew..' Only pausing as you stop to eat your egg & cress ' and such contained in a 'roll no less' L O L))) hope all's well there..'
A   Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 9:32 PM
Well, Matt, life's always a lesson. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Love LINDA
Dietrich Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 6:04 PM
we don't get students from these kinds of countries in our ESL program, Matt. I bet you have so many nations represented!! I'm back now as you can see and owe a hundred comments probably. Oh, I can never catch up!!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 7:57 AM
It must be very difficult, but on the other hand extremely rewarding to deal with people of different cultures. Well done Matthew. You deserve a vote of thanks from us all. Best wishes, Keith
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