My Teacher
This narrative poem was written about my 7th grade teacher.11 total reviews
Comment from FieryRoseFountains
Sandra,
Your poem is moving, beautiful, and inspiring. I admire your highly effective use of imagery. "smothered in golden rivulets of cheddar cheese" --- I literally and figuratively ate that up!
The last two lines of every verse were also particularly touching. Each one started with a heartwarming way your teacher supported you, and ended with "and I believed her". The structure really enhances your poem's ability to evoke emotion within the reader.
Your teacher told you that you're a poet. Look at you now --- slaying writing contests (you have a dizzying amount of ribbons), and making me tear up (joyfully) with your poem.
She would be so proud of you. She always knew that it was in you.
-FRF
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2023
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Sandra,
Your poem is moving, beautiful, and inspiring. I admire your highly effective use of imagery. "smothered in golden rivulets of cheddar cheese" --- I literally and figuratively ate that up!
The last two lines of every verse were also particularly touching. Each one started with a heartwarming way your teacher supported you, and ended with "and I believed her". The structure really enhances your poem's ability to evoke emotion within the reader.
Your teacher told you that you're a poet. Look at you now --- slaying writing contests (you have a dizzying amount of ribbons), and making me tear up (joyfully) with your poem.
She would be so proud of you. She always knew that it was in you.
-FRF
Comment Written 18-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2023
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Now, this review touched my soul and made that inner kid in me tender. I feel that girl beneath my prematurely old aching, soul. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the visit, comments and extra stars.
Comment from Rachelle Allen
I had to give myself an extra five minutes after reading this to be able to see the computer screen with clear vision instead of that of an Impressionist's painting. I'm sitting here with six, count 'em SIX, balled up tissues on my writing desk.
This is excruciatingly beautiful. This woman embodies what teaching is ALL about!! I adore her. And I love the fact that she was smarter than that principal. She loved you SOO much, Sandra! And she bestowed the gift of a lifetime.
THIS is tribute. What I wrote for my beloved teacher is a scrawny, meager honk from a toddler's little toy horn. I'm sufficiently mortified. Thank you for this important lesson. I'll do some substantial editing this weekend and make you proud!! xo
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2022
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I had to give myself an extra five minutes after reading this to be able to see the computer screen with clear vision instead of that of an Impressionist's painting. I'm sitting here with six, count 'em SIX, balled up tissues on my writing desk.
This is excruciatingly beautiful. This woman embodies what teaching is ALL about!! I adore her. And I love the fact that she was smarter than that principal. She loved you SOO much, Sandra! And she bestowed the gift of a lifetime.
THIS is tribute. What I wrote for my beloved teacher is a scrawny, meager honk from a toddler's little toy horn. I'm sufficiently mortified. Thank you for this important lesson. I'll do some substantial editing this weekend and make you proud!! xo
Comment Written 29-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2022
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I am glad you had a chance to read it. Never ever compare yourself to others. There are always people doing more than you and those doing less. Just do the best you know how at the point and time you are in and grow when you know better. Then just let it go. Lastly, do the rewrite to make your beloved teacher prouder. I am not a participant in the love between you and her. Blessings Dear One.
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Good advice all around. Thank you. xo
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You are most welcome!
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
What an inspiration and special bond you had with your
7th grade teach, Sandra. I enjoyed reading your contest
entry. Your words were straight from you heart. I loved
the many ways you shared life's experiences with you.
The principal at your school was a short-sided man who
should never have said what he did to her. Your words flowed
smoothly the picture is awesome, and your notes were so
informative.
Best wishes in the contest, Jan
reply by the author on 10-Jul-2022
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What an inspiration and special bond you had with your
7th grade teach, Sandra. I enjoyed reading your contest
entry. Your words were straight from you heart. I loved
the many ways you shared life's experiences with you.
The principal at your school was a short-sided man who
should never have said what he did to her. Your words flowed
smoothly the picture is awesome, and your notes were so
informative.
Best wishes in the contest, Jan
Comment Written 10-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 10-Jul-2022
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Thank you for your ongoing support. Ms. Caldwell saved me.
Comment from leather
Sandra, I am delighted that you wrote this. I always wanted to know a little more about you but didn't want to be intrusive. I was not surprised to learn that you were a teacher--you have been an excellent teacher to me on this site.
This is a beautiful tribute to a most spectacular human being--her investment in you paid off grandly.
I, too, was a teacher.
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Sandra, I am delighted that you wrote this. I always wanted to know a little more about you but didn't want to be intrusive. I was not surprised to learn that you were a teacher--you have been an excellent teacher to me on this site.
This is a beautiful tribute to a most spectacular human being--her investment in you paid off grandly.
I, too, was a teacher.
Comment Written 09-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Thank you for your kind words of support and for reading my poem. She was quite a person. I'm not surprised you were a teacher. There are quite a few on this site.
Comment from jessizero
This sounds like you had an excellent teacher and a great relationship with her. I am glad she took an interest in you and led you down your life's path. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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This sounds like you had an excellent teacher and a great relationship with her. I am glad she took an interest in you and led you down your life's path. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.
Comment Written 09-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Thank you for reading my poem and your comments. Many have been saved by great teachers. I was, and I tried to be the same way with my students. Thanks!
Comment from Beri Bee
I want to wait to review this until I have 6 stars to reward, but I realize now is best to say how incredibly moving, how beautiful, how profound this love poem, this tribute is. Reading your words, I feel the love. I feel the power of someone who disregards the orders of authority to do and be love. I feel bereft that she was taken from the Earth too soon by such a terrible disease. Yet here you are... her living legacy... you will all continue on! I am almost speechless. I have nothing profound enough to respond with. I'm not sure why this didn't get all the votes, but it get's my heart and my tears. Thanks!
reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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I want to wait to review this until I have 6 stars to reward, but I realize now is best to say how incredibly moving, how beautiful, how profound this love poem, this tribute is. Reading your words, I feel the love. I feel the power of someone who disregards the orders of authority to do and be love. I feel bereft that she was taken from the Earth too soon by such a terrible disease. Yet here you are... her living legacy... you will all continue on! I am almost speechless. I have nothing profound enough to respond with. I'm not sure why this didn't get all the votes, but it get's my heart and my tears. Thanks!
Comment Written 25-May-2022
reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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Thank you so much for the comments you wrote. They are more valuable than a 6-star rating. Liz was for sure a special woman in my life. She gave me some relief from a horrible childhood. I ask that you go to my portfolio and read the poem Back Away from the Brink. It is about my only child. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her death. Thank you for being kind to me. today. I needed it. Blessings to you and yours!
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Oh my dear, I will read this tonight. Thank you for sharing it with me. I will share tomorrow with you in my heart.
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Thank you!
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Black Like Me stuck on me when read in my Navy days. That was quite the exploit by a brave soul. Then you wrote of the Grandin Theater, and instantly I thought of Roanoke Va, which became stronger when you wrote of rural Virginia. This was a very nice tribute.
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reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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Black Like Me stuck on me when read in my Navy days. That was quite the exploit by a brave soul. Then you wrote of the Grandin Theater, and instantly I thought of Roanoke Va, which became stronger when you wrote of rural Virginia. This was a very nice tribute.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 25-May-2022
reply by the author on 25-May-2022
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Thank you for reading my poem and rating it. I read that book in my HS years. It was indeed a story. Yes, the Grandin is still open in Roanoke. It's a grand theater. Going there is like walking back in time.
Comment from LisaMay
I'm speechless, with tears in my eyes and gratitude to Mary Elizabeth Caldwell for not following the white principal's racist advice. She nurtured the belief in yourself that released your innate abilities. She loved you, you loved her. I admire the respect that flowed between you. Your story is beautifully written - a story so worth telling. Keep believing.
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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I'm speechless, with tears in my eyes and gratitude to Mary Elizabeth Caldwell for not following the white principal's racist advice. She nurtured the belief in yourself that released your innate abilities. She loved you, you loved her. I admire the respect that flowed between you. Your story is beautifully written - a story so worth telling. Keep believing.
Comment Written 21-May-2022
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Thank you for your kind words of support. You are appreciated!
Comment from R. Marc Goodson
You are an excellent writer, and what a tribute to your life-mentor! I assume you have professionally published this piece, but if you have not, you should. I particularly like this part: "That she wanted me to realize
that the distinct conditions of any race
are the absolute conditions of the human race,
and I believed her."
Keep writing...it's life.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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You are an excellent writer, and what a tribute to your life-mentor! I assume you have professionally published this piece, but if you have not, you should. I particularly like this part: "That she wanted me to realize
that the distinct conditions of any race
are the absolute conditions of the human race,
and I believed her."
Keep writing...it's life.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 21-May-2022
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Thank you for reading my poem and your kind words of support. Yes, it is in my debut book that is also dedicated to her and my daughter. I have been told by others that is their favorite line.
Comment from Whitewave
So beautiful; so touching; so glad you believed her.
I know you are not looking for stars but I would give you way more than 6 if I could. Somehow, I believe all the stars above are shining down on you and the brightest one is Liz. Your writing is a truly remarkable presence - a gift to humanity and a continuing tribute to a truly remarkable teacher.
Thank you, Liz.
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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So beautiful; so touching; so glad you believed her.
I know you are not looking for stars but I would give you way more than 6 if I could. Somehow, I believe all the stars above are shining down on you and the brightest one is Liz. Your writing is a truly remarkable presence - a gift to humanity and a continuing tribute to a truly remarkable teacher.
Thank you, Liz.
Comment Written 21-May-2022
reply by the author on 21-May-2022
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Thank you so much for your support!
