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As Usual She Did Not Take Part

I’ll never forget what’s her name
A PE teacher and ogre she became
For I was such a sickly child
it really made this ogre wild
Held in my hand a medical certificate 
exempted from all things physical
with Rheumatic Fever and St Vitus’ Dance
for me to take part ~  there was no chance
Instead I assisted the Deputy Head
with clerical duties I helped him instead
But clearly this really annoyed her 
As she gave me her evil stare
She appeared to be looking right through me
No words were spoken ~ was I even there

Each and every year she wrote 
inside my school report
A snide remark that ended with 
“as usual she did not take part”
For I was told such illnesses 
Could leave me with a weakened heart
And so upon Doctor’s orders
in PE I was not to take part
I can still see her face 
As she filled me with fear
No compassionate words 
from her lips I could hear
Whilst illnesses kept me off school for a year

It’s time I let go of this nasty so and so
For she left planet Earth a long time ago

And my heart ~ it still beats 
I’m so glad to be here
With a smile on my face
I have no one to fear


*This was sadly a true story which whilst writing this poem, brought back some of the feelings, which by her actions she made me feel – she made me feel weak and insignificant because I could not partake in any physical education classes, but I did become a very competent secretary in adulthood, so all that clerical work for the Deputy Head was clearly beneficial…some teachers have a lot to answer for...

21st September 2019

9th place ~ Premier Contest
Contest Name: I'LL NEVER FORGET WHAT'S HIS NAME (OR HER NAME) 
Sponsor: John Lawless

Contest Name STRAND CHOICE 7,
Sponsor Brian Strand
3rd Place

Copyright © Ann Gilmour | Year Posted 2019

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Brenda Chiri Date: 1/27/2020 2:51:00 PM Ann well deserved win my friend! Congrats!;) Login to Reply

Beata Agustin Date: 10/1/2019 12:33:00 AM Wise advice, and stern warning likewise for mentors never to become "tormentors." God bless you. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 10/1/2019 11:47:00 AM Many thanks Beata for your visit, so good to hear from you. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Brenda Chiri Date: 9/30/2019 1:05:00 PM Ann what a wonderful win!;) congrats!;) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/30/2019 3:02:00 PM Thank you so much Brenda for your lovely comments and congrats. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/27/2019 1:48:00 AM Excellent from beginning to end, a tale we all need to think about and take a LESSON from as we think on it, Ann. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/30/2019 3:09:00 PM Thank you so much Caren. Yes that is so true for there are some teachers that should never ever be teaching for their actions can have such a devastating effect upon a vulnerable child. Thankfully most are great and make such a difference with their dedication and passion. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 9/25/2019 3:50:00 PM A great piece Ann excellently penned and we all can think of teachers I think who should have never been teachers. This is full of great imagery and super rhyme, excellent indeed, it must be a fav! Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/30/2019 3:13:00 PM Bless you dear Gordon for your encouraging comments, I always appreciate your kind words. With kindest thoughts Ann

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 9/22/2019 7:56:00 PM Boy...this is a winner for sure Ann! You poured your heart out in this poem. It is so sad that some teachers you remember forever because of their unfair bad behavior. She should not have been in a teaching position. This is a First Place winner for me! Brilliant! : ) xxoo Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/23/2019 5:23:00 AM Goodness, such wonderful comments dear Connie, I thank you so much, and such a compliment coming from yourself - thank you! Yes, she should never have been in the teaching profession for she only had time for kids who excelled in PE! I hope you are well Connie. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jeanne Mcgee Date: 9/22/2019 12:27:00 PM I'm so sorry you were treated so badly...and glad writing the poem maybe let you be rid of those awful feelings once and for all. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/22/2019 5:07:00 PM Oh bless you dear Jeanne and thank you so much for your sweet comments. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Richard Lamoureux Date: 9/22/2019 9:59:00 AM You shouldn’t have been made to feel bad. It would already have been hard enough to not be able to participate with the other kids. What’s her name should not have been teaching kids. Hugs Rick, Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/22/2019 10:14:00 AM Yes it was most unpleasant at the time Rick, but Jan also had a nasty experience with a teacher, so sadly it is not uncommon, but I am sure the majority who take up this profession are inspiring human beings who can make a difference to the kids they teach. Thanks for your comments and hugs Rick. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham Date: 9/21/2019 9:25:00 PM They say school days are your best, not always the case. I remember a teacher at primary school loved using the cane, an absolute bully. Tom Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/22/2019 10:07:00 AM I don't consider my school days were my best, as so often I was absent and for a while was home tutored and therefore seemed to be permanently trying to catch up! Goodness that teacher at your primary school was such a bully! With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Jan Allison Date: 9/21/2019 5:42:00 PM WE have both written about bad experiences with teachers and what an impact their actions have had on our lives - I wish they were around to see we managed to succeed in life and how you thrived from learning secretarial skills:-) good luck in the contest:-) Try and listen to the show between 9 and 10 I am sure Jude will play a song for you:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/22/2019 10:02:00 AM Yes, I suppose this means there were a lot of mean teachers in our day. Both yours and mine sound the meanest! Also teachers then were often happy to dish out corporal punishment, which Frank seemed to get on a daily basis. Mind you from what I heard he was a rather cheeky chappie, bless him. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Vijay Pandit Date: 9/21/2019 5:14:00 PM She wasn't a very good teacher, obviously, Ann. This sure is a good example of someone you want to forget..very apt for the contest. Even more so..as it is a true story. I remember some mean teachers as well. You said it well. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 9/22/2019 9:58:00 AM Thank you so much Vijay. Yes she really was a mean teacher who was only interested in pupils who excelled in physical pursuits. Many thanks for your comments Vijay always a joy to hear from you. With kindest thoughts Ann xx