Portals Of My Mind

"The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind." Kahlil
Grade one, six years old, born to immigrant parents not a word of English did I speak, but I found compassion in a kind loving teacher who smelled like talcum powder and wore baby blue eyeshadow, the color of the sky. She never married for the love of her life died at war each time she spoke about him her eyes shone like stars * I will never forget that first day at school when I began to cry. Not understanding the language I walked a dark corridor of oppression and gloom. She walked over to my desk and leaned into my ear, don't worry I speak Italian too in case you get stuck. Its as if someone had just let me out of a dark suitcase. I inhaled the scent of her talcum and the color of her blues. Everything would be fine I knew as I walked through the portals of my mind unafraid, I began to trust and learn. Miss Cartolano was my first grade teacher. She was the one who taught me how to never give up.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Empress Avatar
September 19, 2024 at 11:57 AM
Dear rose this is so sweet and so very well written about your teacher! How sweet! And how thoughtful! was your first language italian! Wow! I wish i can speak italian its one of those languages so exotic and italy is one of my fave countries! Your poem about your teacher truly is soul touching and heartfelt , very sincere too. Pleasure reading this gem! Best wishes. Sending you light always
Rose  Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 3:55 PM
My first language was Italian my dad didn't speak a word of English, so I always spoke Italian until he died, I miss him, and the language too
Croft Avatar
September 19, 2024 at 6:10 AM
A very touching tribute to a great teacher!
Rose  Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 3:54 PM
Thank you for reading my poem dear Karen, :)
Gifford Avatar
September 19, 2024 at 6:05 AM
Hi Rose, this is such a beautifully touching poem/story. Felt chocked as I read it. Glad you never gave up as we wouldn't be blessed to read your wonderful poetry. Enjoy your day my friend, stay blessed.
Rose  Avatar
September 20, 2024 at 3:53 PM
Thank you for your empathetic touch Zyrool. Always a pleasure to read your comments
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