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My Favorite Teacher

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September-18- 2024
My Favorite Teacher Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Karen Jones
~ Placed Second~

 


 

Without frills or frame, a black and white portrait of a teacher. I loved
Amid a haphazard heap of faded memories, an image sticks out, the image of my favorite teacher. It was in my degree class that I met him, quite serious by nature, not very pleasing but commanding respect, who the students looked upon with reverence, more of fear. We never knew, beneath the façade of his rough exterior, he hid a heart loaded with love and concern for others. He was one among my many English teachers. One day, towards the end of our first year in Degree, he gave us an assignment; ‘Write on what you wish to become, once you pass out of college.’ Putting a lot of thought into it, I wrote my plan to pursue Law, an ambition inculcated in me by my father. Actually, I was at crossroads, unable to take a proper decision. The next day he came to the class, with our assignments corrected. Coming to my seat, he said in a low voice, “You have written this beautifully well. Indeed, you have a flair for language, but being such a sensitive person, Law, I fear is not suited to your disposition. You’ll shine if you take Literature and Art.” I wondered how he could guess, I was sensitive. Later, through the succeeding two years of our degree course, we understood that he had x-ray eyes and an intimate knowledge of each of his students, their strengths and weakness. His words were a spark that ignited a flame, an observation that changed my life’s course. For me, with his words, new perspectives dawned and a new path came into view. Love of Literature was something, I never knew, I had in me. He was there always to guide and lead us and stood by our side as a mentor and well -wisher. He explained to us the lessons of life, not found in text books, but tested through life. He knew those students who concealed their sadness with smiles. He tried his best to lift their despondent spirits, not before others, but in private. He reminded us, it is O. K to fail once in a while. It was evident that he loved us from his actions, but his words, he often kept locked up. He had no pretentious stance and was never a pedant who tried to flaunt his knowledge, but added meaning to our lives.
wisdom’s steady flow, with the milk of humaneness~ a fountain of love.
All through my studies in a different college, he continued to give his counsel and guidance. After a couple of years, with high marks, when I completed my M. A. in English Language and Literature and got an appointment in a nearby college, he came to my home to congratulate me. I, forever remained his student and he, my mentor and guide at every turn of life till through waning health, he finally lost his faculties. I feel an indebtedness to him that transcends the limits of time. Whenever I expressed my obligation and gratitude to him, he used to repeat Emerson’s words- “The only way to have a friend is to be one”. The years have gracefully passed. Now I am a retired teacher. My dear teacher is dead and gone. Yet he lives in my heart and in my thoughts!
a true gentleman with a heart of lustrous gold~ guiding light that shines.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 9/30/2024 7:58:00 AM
Valsa my dear friend, i have been under the weather with shingles and then very bad bronchitis. I have thought of you not once, but many times and wondered what you must think that of me that I disappeared without a word. This is truly an awesome story of your College teacher who even came to you home to congratulate you on the completion of your M. A. degree and your appointment to a nearby college, what a great respect you must have had for one another. No wonder you write such eloquent, magnificent poetry. Congratulations on your top win. Lots of love, Jennifer.
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Valsa George
Date: 10/15/2024 4:53:00 AM
Sorry to hear that you suffered from shingles. From my experience, it is very painful. Thank God you are absolutely relieved of it. Yes, I am so thankful to my dear teacher who diverted my career to teaching which i really enjoyed all through my career. Thanks a lot dear sweet friend. Sending you love and hugs.
Date: 9/23/2024 7:55:00 AM
beautiful write dear poet. congratulations on your win. happy writing.
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Valsa George
Date: 10/15/2024 4:49:00 AM
Thanks a lot dear Thriveni ! I didn't expect it to win.
Date: 9/23/2024 7:49:00 AM
Dearest Valsa your form and content made this poem a top winner! I love the details and your interwoven Senryus were magical! Thank you for entering my contest!
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Valsa George
Date: 9/23/2024 8:52:00 PM
Thanks a lot dear Karen for picking up poem for a win. I feel so delighted.
Date: 9/20/2024 7:03:00 AM
A wonderful tribute to this teacher, Valsa. You used a great form for it.
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Valsa George
Date: 10/15/2024 4:48:00 AM
I did this in a hurry. So I chose the most easy form that came naturally to me. Thanks a lot dear Andrea.
Date: 9/19/2024 1:26:00 AM
Dear sweet valsa, this is so heart warming to read really! I love stories like this! You should really publish some short stories if you havent already, your words are inspiring and uplifting! I think you must have been told this many times, but to remember such kindness of a teacher and to appreciate that even today, shows what a grateful soul you are! And your teacher sounds like a good one one that sees and feels students innermost thoughts and thats rare and precious! I love this haibun. So well woven and flows just seamlessly! I absolutely loved reading this! A fave it is for me! This will stay in my mind for a while now! Best wishes! Sending you light always beautiful soul
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 6:11:00 AM
Sweet friend, you are so appreciative of everyone, a rare quality. This may not have much literary value. But I am so glad you have tried to see him from my own perspective. He was a remarkable teacher. Many of his students may have similar experiences to narrate. These days I have been so tied up. But I just wanted to say something about my great teacher, so a quick scribble. I feel honored that you have made it a fave. Thanks a lot dear friend.
Date: 9/19/2024 12:42:00 AM
Oh!! How wonderful to have a teacher who would care for his students so much. You have described him so well. Thanks for sharing this part of your life. Sara K
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 6:04:00 AM
These words have come from the depth of my heart. There is nothing sensational about my writing, but it is a true story. Thanks a lot dear Sara.
Date: 9/18/2024 10:52:00 PM
very moving tribute, teachers who change life are so rare, never met on like this, thanks poet
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 6:02:00 AM
I was indeed fortunate to have such a teacher. Thank you so much dear Yaan.
Date: 9/18/2024 9:29:00 AM
Dear Valsa, this a wonderful write and I can discern that your studies took you on the right path. I always admired your writings. Blessings.
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 6:01:00 AM
Thanks a lot dear Victor. This comment from a seasoned poet is much appreciated.
Date: 9/18/2024 6:13:00 AM
You did this theme so well Valsa, and the non-fiction element to it makes it all the more appealing. Great haikus for this. I'll bet you were a wonderful teacher yourself
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 6:00:00 AM
Thank you so much Tom. You are a master of Haibun and I enjoy reading them. As you have rightly guessed, there is no fiction here, just truth. I was a committed teacher, am not sure if I was a great teacher! :)
Date: 9/17/2024 9:05:00 PM
He was a light to your life, but I am sad that he lost this talent. Your poem reminds us of the passing gifts from others which we receive.
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Valsa George
Date: 9/19/2024 5:55:00 AM
I am so happy that you read this poem. It may not have any literary value, but these words came from my heart. His losing of faculties was a slow natural process through aging, but had a long span of healthy life. Thanks a lot Hilda.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things