In Support of a Kenyan Teacher

In this land we had a President teacher
So was our nice neighbour next door
A fertile ground to hold holy such a duty
An easy guess : respect was far more important
Than what we thought of compensation for labour
That renders throats dry sniffing chalk dust

Only moon will tell when will settle the chalk dust
A sunset ago, a gavel gave hope to a teacher
After a century of glittering tearful labour
Now hope of a sincere deal beckoning at the door
No doubt heavier pocket will make light his duty 
Money sweetens always what is already important

In every corner of the land you find among the important
A teacher who rides to the market on a bicycle full of dust
Because he has a family to cater for besides his duty
There is no story more familiar in Kenya than a teacher’s
He accepted to teach in a classroom without a door
And to inspire under such sick conditions of labour

The teacher has earned respect through honest labour
So we must put him up there among the important
Grateful we are to defender who opened him a door
To enjoy the fruits and economy of perfumed chalkdust
To walk an inch higher and remind all: “I am a teacher”
A demonstration of honour to an age old duty

We have finally woken up to our reality of duty 
To those who  polish our brains through hard labour
The doctor up the street and senator have been to a teacher
The syringe makes a doctor, the chalk makes a teacher important
I hope the doctor will know it is the stress and curse of chalk dust 
When a tired smart man consults him behind a closed door

Hope is high up the sky, admin keeping a policy of open door
Who are we not to encourage him in this line of duty?
With further engagements we will settle the dust
And render hopeful around country the classroom labour
We will bring to town a statue in memory of a teacher
For all sectors to know he who holds the bottom is important

 Hope the momentum will not blow on our faces some other dust
And cut short the celebrations with humiliation for our teacher
What this land has achieved in this regard is far too important

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 7/26/2015 11:45:00 PM
Am in support of the truth you speak and your words of wisdom .#7
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Date: 7/13/2015 10:46:00 AM
This is a wonderful tribute to teachers! It reminds me of the many great educators that have impacted my life along the way. I hope that students today will respect and honor those who teach them valuable lessons and inspire them to succeed in life! Well done and a 7! Best wishes. Pandita
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Mwashighadi Avatar
Kilalo Mwashighadi
Date: 7/14/2015 4:42:00 AM
I am grateful to fellow poets always for encouraging words. Thanks Pandita
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