Remembering the Retired Teacher

You welcomed the young with open arms,

They, who hailed from far across some farms;

Like the Lorelei,you lured them with your charms,

Hidden behind a friendly smile that warms .

Like a first born daughter or son,

You valued each child's life second to none;

Of their precious health, you were the guardian,

With better nourishment, you acquainted everyone.

You developed their fluency in the language,

And moulded them into little stars on the stage;

In every competition, you gave them courage,

And harnessed their skills to their advantage.

You did not fail to give scouting a space,

By training the little ones to survive in many ways;

To discern which value to embrace,

And enjoy life in the open or another place.

Sweet were your memories of every December,

The times when you and the kids spent Christmas together;

From you, they learned to give and to remember,

To them, you were a friend, their "Santa" or gift-giver.

Sports, you never set aside at all,

Hence,you also taught them tricks with the ball;

To break the monotony of facing the wall,

You seasoned their life with experiences outside the hall.

You were never selfish of your cooperation,

With the community or any organisation;

You extended your service without hesitation,

Unmindful of the return or compensation.

In every school project or undertaking,

You did your part without complaining;

You believed that every good thing is worth doing,

You did well,in spite of the meager wage you were receiving.

When each school year came to an end,

You let go of the flock that you tend;

They're sad to leave,but with no broken heart to mend,

Because everyone, to the next grade you send.

So it came to pass,each year went slipping thru your fingers,

The briefest hours went winging with children's laughter;

Until one morn, you bid farewell to every co-worker,

To join the clan of the retired teachers.

You retired from service,but not from teaching,

'Cause you rose from your ashes after a moment of dying;

This time , with Catechism, you go on preaching,

The mission to spread truth, you never cease loving.

You proved that, "once a teacher,always a teacher".

Your loyalty lingers like a flickering ember;

For you goodbye is not forever,

But only an interlude of now and thereafter.