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Not Just Another Prof, Unabridged Version

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The september I met him remains etched in my mind
I sat in class awaiting explanation that never came
One by one minutes rolling by ever so slowly

I surmised he’d been a burn victim
I wondered when it happened
How old he would have been
How he suffered
How he healed
How he could now be so nonchalant

Over my inner spiel I didn’t hear a word he said
I was consumed in wait with unanswered questions
Then I spent the second half of class feeling stupid
Regretting the meddlesome monologue in my head
It was three hours of my life I would never get back
Really… how was it any of my business?

It was way back in those prehistoric days
Before the internet was full blown
Nowadays a simple google search
Would have produced a newspaper article
Instantly unravelling the mystery

I shook my head good and hard all week
Before returning to my second class with him
He never spoke about the elephant in the room
It boggled my mind why I expected he ever would

In a short time I became enchanted
With the magnificence of this man’s soul
He was a cultured learned gentle man
A poet possibly a genius
He was ordained to touch lives
To shake and rattle foundations
Disentangle paradigms

A transcendent grace exuded
From his every word
His every glance 



AP: 1st place 2022, 3rd place 2021

Submitted on October 6, 2019 for contest FAVORITE PROFESSOR sponsored by CHANTELLE ANNE COOKE  -  RANKED 1ST

and on September 13, 2024 for contest MY FAVORITE TEACHER sponsored by KAREN JONES

Copyright © Line Gauthier | Year Posted 2019

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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 5/3/2020 6:05:00 PM You scared me a little with longer ;), This version too, to my faves. My takeaway, you taught yourself something life changing that day ~x Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 5/4/2020 5:48:00 AM Thanks for your visit and comment, Maureen.

Eve Roper Date: 11/1/2019 10:52:00 PM A great tribute to your professor, Line, congratulations on your winning placement. Hugs Eve Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/1/2019 11:44:00 PM Thank you so much, Eve. Most appreciated.

Sandra Adams Date: 11/1/2019 8:06:00 PM so glad to see this one on the winner's list congrats Line :) hugs Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/1/2019 9:17:00 PM Thank you so much Sandra. Most appreciated.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/31/2019 2:18:00 PM - Line, a good teacher is an artist ... congratulations on your great winning poem - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/31/2019 8:22:00 PM Indeed. Thank you so much, Sunshine.

Juliet Ligon Date: 10/17/2019 10:12:00 PM This is a powerful poem. People make first impressions from a person's exterior, but once you get to know the inward person they can be stunning. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/17/2019 10:30:00 PM Thanks for your most appreciated visit and comment, Juliet.

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 10/10/2019 1:29:00 PM This is a magnificently awesome piece of poetry - it reflects an innocent soul, one of utter honesty. Loved this story, Hugs, Jennifer. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/10/2019 4:13:00 PM Thank you so much, Jennifer. Most appreciated.

Timothy Mcguire Date: 10/7/2019 11:46:00 PM This poem says your soul is magnificent in your compassion and willingness to look past outward appearances and see the inner beauty. <3 Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/8/2019 12:25:00 AM He was very special. Thanks, Timothy.

Ralph Sergi Date: 10/7/2019 10:57:00 AM Hi Line: A beautiful reminiscent poem as you remember someone who touched a thread in your soul. Good luck! Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/7/2019 12:52:00 PM Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Ralph.

Regina Mcintosh Date: 10/6/2019 9:16:00 PM This is a true wonder... I so love it. I'm sure it will win and definitely deserves it. Bless you with love and prayers, Gina Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/7/2019 7:01:00 AM Thanks for your lovely visit and comment, Gina.

Kim Rodrigues Date: 10/6/2019 8:25:00 PM Loved the honest write! A nice tribute! Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/6/2019 8:32:00 PM Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Kim.

Sandra Adams Date: 10/6/2019 7:27:00 PM what a wonderful and touching poem you have written about your teacher, love this one :) hugs Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 10/6/2019 7:56:00 PM Thank you so much, Sandra, for your lovely visit and comment.