For Ganel Gibbs

It was only a shed Leaning on the wind and your courage But there always you fed Each child with a special knowledge Of the world and its art Into them you poured your heart. And I, barefooted child Struggling to flower in the sun Drawn to your shade so mild Came with you, built on what you began And day after day we Labored to a calling more than duty. I came to teach the tots And found seeds of all ages there In stony soil and rusty pots And I followed you to make them bear Fruits uncommon to their lot And found me sprouting in a pot. It was your hand, your love Your wisdom of kindness that rescued me Pushed me to make my move Along the path that shun despondency And that day when the board Lit up with my name, I saw your pride restored Those thirteen JSC subjects Was this a beginning of the times For gold its light deflects And the sweetest bell that chimes Repeats the song that brims The heart of love secret whims. So always I serve still The same constituents you taught But unsatisfied till My desire in your presence is caught That may say thank you dear For empowering me to rise above the fear.