Turning On Lights

Submitted to Tigerlobo�s Downtrodden Teacher contest.

When I look in the eyes of this mass of youth

With expectations varied

I see question marks queried

From sublime to intelligent to uncouth

 

At times the faces are as blank as a wall

Children asking, not telling

Eyes out windows, flowers smelling

Longing for the bell and the hall

 

A constant barrage of assignments given

Half hearted attempts to complete

Half hearted standards to meet

Words to knowledge, attempts to enliven

 

The days pass to weeks to years

The hope wanes

The heart pains

The longing to teach becomes fears

 

Then, a light turns on in someone’s eyes

A thought, a concept is understood

What was given to loss is now good

In remembrance of desire, in silence cries

 

‘Tis the reason I have done this

The education, the pain

The instruction, it’s insane

But it is the light in their eyes I miss

 

At last, knowledge is given

Something was taught

Something was caught

A light turned on, darkness riven

 

Reviews

[Dezaraye]

This is beautiful! It truly is the light in their eyes that makes it all worth it at the end of the day. Thank you for sending it to me!

[Raven Held]

This is an absolutely stunning poem.

I like the satirical tone you've applied in this poem, very William Blake-y. 'Sublime to intelligent to uncouth'? Totally. You just made me feel guilty for not appreciating my teachers more!

Anyway, it's a great piece of work.

Thanks.

Joyce

[J]

I like the abba rhyme scheme you've employed here; as I've learnt, rhyme was and still is important as a teaching aid... mnemonics and all that. I remember reading how people were taught a lot of these lessons this way, because back in the medieval ages, most people were illiterate. I only ever had a couple of teachers who inspired me, who took their time, and they'll always be remembered. I guess... it's those teachers who truly had the passion for the profession; you could see it in their eyes, in the way their eyes would light up when a student cottoned onto something. And I think this is what you're describing here... what it means to be a teacher, that satisfaction that comes when you've made something sink in, and made them enquire. I've been tempted to join the teaching ranks. Although, for the most part, teachers are underpaid, undervalued, and overworked, unlike Hollywood actors and actresses who only have to mumble a few lines for a few months to get a cheque which is hugely undeserved. Why is this? Nurses are in this same trap, in that these people like you offer some of the most important resources and know-how, yet... I don't know. It's such an unjust shame. Anyway, nice write... you got your point across, and made your passion evident =) J

[Bdempsey]

I really enjoyed this - especially as a teacher. It was clear in its expression of the frustrations we meet every day in the classroom, but also the only reason we do it. Heaven knows it's not for the pay! But revealing the world of knowledge to a young person is worth all of the battles we fight.

[Ismael Rodriguez Jr.]

The flow doesnt seem natural in spots. A little forced maybe. You expressed what it's like to be a teacher though.

[Red Raven]

Yearn to pass down the knowledge...
I see more deeper then the thought.
'The days pass to weeks to years
The hope wanes
The heart pains
The longing to teach becomes fears '
I Like this lines ad the liner...

[Tigerlobo]

�Tis the reason I have done this
The education, the pain
The instruction, it�s insane
But it is the light in their eyes I miss

I will not cry; I will not--DAMN YOU! Yep *sniff* that hit it squarely! "Darkness Riven" would be a bitchen title too! riven...I knew it by context, but I have never used it...gonna hafta hi lite that one!

beautiful. I thank you. d****t!

[Robert Luna]

The flow was great but felt a little forced in a few places. But I am not anyone to say anything about that as I have caught myself doing it and have been called on it. Overall the piece works great conveys some true thoughts and feelings that are expressed very poetically.

Great Write!!!