Emily Medforth - Village School Teacher

I thought she was old when I saw her, Ancient to me only just reached four. I remember still those feelings as mam Deserted me to her at the old school door. She never grew any older. Just never seemed to age. Never treated us unfairly. Never punished us in rage. Just expected us to follow the rules To be quiet and good and obey, Then go home quietly and discreetly At the end of another school day. We were all taught our places In a world of black and white. She read my first faltering poetry Encouraged me to write, To do my best In life’s race But to never never Forget my place. She lived to over 90 years Then suddenly was gone Never changing her standards In a world that had fast moved on. I don’t think any of us ever thanked her For guiding us as we grew, But most of us were grateful And I’m certain sure she knew. She was there when we scattered dad’s ashes Over Granny and Granddad Barker’s grave I think she nodded slightly to My acknowledging wave: But she didn’t look any older Maybe she’d grown a little small Or maybe over the passing years It was me who’d grown too tall.