dear teacher

a poem

---

We forget our passwords and papers,

our Chromebooks and combinations,

but never those moments of belief—

a handful of kind words and a pocket of praise

is all it takes to transform rotten days.

When our hearts are heavy,

shoulders stressed,

and motivation slow as Monday—

take a sweet sip of your diet coke,

practice patience once more,

and show us that we’re worthy of hope.

There will be a day, when the sun rises,

and we are no longer thirteen.

The morning glow will highlight memories

of middle school madness and majesty,

reminding us what you gave—

the gift of being known, called by name,

being seen, and never shamed.

We forget to study and sleep

but we hold on to that Tuesday when you could have

shrunk us

down

to our

worst moment—

but instead, raised us up with the potential

of a greatest showman.

Dear teacher, we may forget a few things,

but we will never forget you.