Teacher's Anniversary

Our fifteenth year, you and I
If we were married, the ‘crystal’ mile

And oh, we have had our highs, breaking up lunchtime fights
Breaking down novels line by line
Translating Shakespeare to Spanish
for those nonverbal in this language
Dulcet quatrains melted into rounded syllables, thick on my tongue
Still we manage to tease out delicate images

And the consolation of a paycheck educators receive
Not enough to ease the mirage of beach
Allure of waves and palm trees
In rude January (the ultimate schoolyard bully)
You and I have chaperoned this prom, attended this play
Coached this race, given chase to elusive grades
Counted victories in syllables
Pivoted around yawning youths, heads down
or kids attempting to find favor with last minute Starbucks gifts 

And still we sit in sweet September
Whole and hopeful, rested, restored
Once again to go around this playground called high school

2/1/19
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Harper Avatar
February 26, 2019 at 4:00 AM
Beautiful tribute to the teacher profession and how it has its challenges and good parts, Kim, enjoyed reading it.
Hyde Avatar
February 26, 2019 at 10:09 AM
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and saw both challenges and rewards. It surely is a rewarding struggle.
Gauthier Avatar
February 25, 2019 at 11:04 PM
Well done, Kim. Congrats on your gold medal win.
Hyde Avatar
February 26, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Thank you so much; your kind words are heartwarming.
Faulkner Avatar
February 24, 2019 at 1:15 AM
Hi Kim, you must be a teacher - I was impressed with your original take on the theme, wonderful use of the required words, I give it an A plus! Congratulations on your win in my contest!
Hyde Avatar
February 25, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Thank you so much! Yes, I am a teacher. The aspect that I love best is the cyclical nature of the job, which is what I as trying to convey. Your praise means a lot:)
One Avatar
February 3, 2019 at 1:06 PM
Lovely poem Kim..
Hyde Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 7:02 AM
Thank you; much appreciated!
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