To His Teacher

Today I looked upon my son
So tall, with head held high
So filled with expectations
The confidence within his eye.

I pondered, as he stood there
A thousand thoughts came through --
Of those who helped him grow to this,
And then I thought of you.

The tender years you knew him,
When seedlings sprout and start --
To grasp, entwine and set their roots,
It's there you touched his heart.

You nurtured thoughts with tender care,
And he believed and grew
Forming, molding, day by day
With all his trust in you.

You showed him that the world was full --
Of wonders, every kind --
To open wide his eyes and ears --
To seek and he would find --

That books would yield their treasures
And open up each door --
Created his desire to know --
And always thirst for more.

"Do it over," you would say
You put him through the test
As you let him know that he could do --
Much better than his best!

Strict was what he called you
As you loaded work galore
But when assignments were complete
He loved you even more.

And then to keep the balance
With books and finer art
You blended dance and music
To lighten up his heart.

Learning how to swing a bat
Was a highlight of his day
And yet the greatest lesson there
Was teaching him fair play.

Sometimes a teacher's unaware
Of lessons taught at school
Your actions left their imprint
As you lived the golden rule.

He learned to love all people
Te friendless clutched his hand
All were equal in his eyes
Each was his fellowman.

Oh, my heart keeps on remembering
As I look upon my son
There is no way to measure
The good that you have done.

So, from a grateful mother
These words I must convey
Thanks for all you have to build --
The man he is today!

About John.
Written by request of Eleanor Dalton.
September 16, 1976