"Oh, Clara, honey," Mary Lou said,
"Ain't you got nothin' to do?
Just pick up a crayon and color this red.
Us kids have been waiting for you."

When the mural was finished, it wasn't diminished
By Clara's scribbly art.
Indeed, what I saw instead of a flaw
Was Mary Lou's wise, kindly heart.

And so, when I think about teachers
I recall Mary Lou with affection.
The child hasn't let me ever forget
That love counts far more than perfection.

Of course, I've been taught by many who ought
To be honored. And yet I insist
That dear Mary Lou should be given her due
And placed at the top of the list.