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Philip Abayomi Olorunfemi | + Follow Poet |
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A LAMENTATION FOR THE FALLEN PEDESTAL

In days of yore, when wisdom's mantle shone
Teachers were revered, their honor like a throne
Despite meager pay, they earned respect and fame
As bookcraft wise men, guiding learners through life's maze and flame

Parents held them dear, as pointers of truth and light
Learners treated them with care, in morning's golden light
Teachers respected themselves, as models of virtue and might
Their dignity unbroken, like a beacon in the night

But now in Nigeria's land, a different tale is told
Society's regard for teachers, has grown cold
Laws are formulated, to dictate and to bind
Parents disdain and disrespect, with a violent and unkind mind

They storm the schools and homes, with anger and with spite
Beating and abusing teachers, without a glimmer of light
Students follow suit, with scorn and mockery's sting
Teachers, once revered, now abused, and left to cling

To a dignity that's lost, like autumn's fading leaves
Teachers themselves, now beggars, with a slave's pleading eaves
They jump at every opportunity, despite the meager pay
Their self-respect, like shattered glass, in disarray

But still we hope, for a brighter dawn to break
When teachers will be cherished, for the wisdom they undertake
When society will respect, the noble profession they hold
And teachers, once again, will stand tall, with a dignity to unfold

So let us join hands, to make the crooked straight
To restore the honor, of the teaching profession's weight
For when we value teachers, we value knowledge and the mind
And a brighter future beckons, for all humanity to find.

Copyright © Philip Abayomi Olorunfemi | Year Posted 2024

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