A Thank-You Poem For My History Teacher

Dear Mrs Chan,

Thank you for all the things
You’ve clearly explained and shown
And even more for all that 
You left me to find out on my own.

Thank you, when I pestered for an answer,
For standing your ground and holding firm – 
I know you want me to explore
Because that’s the only way I’ll really learn. 

Thank you for exposing me
To the subtleties of the English language
Certain connotations, small differences in meaning,
Always looking for the precise word, the precise usage. 

Thank you for encouraging me
To abandon the cowardly-conventional view
To look for something
I believe in, something new.

Thank you for all the sour, unapproving frowns
You shot, threw, thrusted and sent my way
They worked wonders
To keep my illogical misconceptions at bay.

Thank you for your aptly-set standards – 
A challenging but never impossibly-high wall.
You make me love a good challenge
You make me want to give my all.

Thank you for lighting up the bulbs
In my stupid little mind
When I didn’t get it, you connected the neurons manually
And occasionally unwind.

Thank you for all that you’ve done
You make History lessons so much fun. 

Thank you, Mrs Chan! You’re the BEST!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Chuan Seng Avatar
January 28, 2016 at 9:47 AM
what a very well written tribute... wherever she is , mrs chan deserves this... tq for this well written piece!
Rhinem Avatar
December 19, 2008 at 2:50 AM
Smile~"Hello Gifted Christy Chiang!"~It is good to see you again dear lady! You write so very well! And this was a wonderful tribute dear! I am very sure, that Mrs. Chan is extremely grateful, and also, proud of you I would believe! She sounds like an intelligent and wonderful lady! I hope that has been treating you well, filled with happiness and joy! "Great Write Christy, Warmth Always To You, John!"~Bye Dear:)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace