God Speed Mr. Heneghan

God Speed Mr. Heneghan

Influencer of young minds

Humble teacher

Gentle man

Published author

Savior

As a precocious teen girl

You mortified me by selecting my juvenile ramblings

 and reading them aloud to the class

while I slithered and slunk down in my chair

Oh, the humiliation!

My cheeks stung red with the shame of it

Ostracizing me from the other "cool kids"

Shattering the image I was desperately trying to cultivate

until I'd bloody well had enough 

and had to read them aloud myself 

just because you were getting the intonation and inflection all wrong

and I could stand it no longer

How clever you were!

You always pushed gently for more

and I often wondered why you singled me out?

I suspect the detective in you was ever present

long after you left that field

As if that was not enough

You further embarrassed me

Suggesting I join the debate team

Goading me to participate

Daring me to accept the challenge

Which I did reluctantly

 Just to shut you up!

Thanks to you, 

My shameful fall into Nerd-dom was complete

Your elation at my successes drove me to try harder

Care less what my peers thought

Focus on my other God given attributes

For they would be what would carry me 

When the ravages of time stole my former glory

And left me an aging beauty queen

But never an empty and hollow vessel 

Thank you!

Thank you, and God speed Mr. Heneghan

For instilling in me

The love of words 

A sense of self worth

 And an abiding passion and strength for speaking out

even when my opinion may be unpopular

My husband wishes you had not taught me quite so much about debating

You will be missed

 But not forgotten

Reviews

[willweb]

Funny, I have been writing here for many, many years and writing in general for a very long time. But I cannot recall any teacher inspiring me to write. As a matter of fact, there are more times than I can count that I sit with pen in hand wishing I had listened more and been a better student. But, that was not to be, now I learn from people on these sites and elsewhere. I really enjoyed your piece, and it is nice to have someone like that who did inspire you to use the gift you were given. Nicely done.

[Starbaby]

Thank you Will. I can remember him so vividly and fondly, he was a great teacher and a favourite of many. I remember the elbow patches on his sport coat , his accent, the shock of silver hair, and that beard! Thanks for stopping by.

[Sapphus]

I remember a teacher of mine from 60 years in time when I read of yours. A good read for all.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I love this
I can relate to this I had a fave teacher she helped me greatly in years five and 6 in primary
Well done. Loved it !

[jacob erin-cilberto]

For a teacher to be able to do something like this?
It is why we do what we do.
j.

[Vol]

Starbaby,
As a retired Lit. and creative writing teacher, I have met you several times in different guises. It was always my great fear that the talent I discovered would be buried under all the slings and arrows of real life. I was right to do so... they fade and grow vague in their existance. Keep writing, kid. and look for "The Constant Poet" on Instagram. She was one of mine... a poet before we met, and one who is doing it right.
Vol
Vol

[Starbaby]

Thanks for reading and for posting a comment Vol. Calling me "kid" has definitely made you rise to the top in my estimation. LOL. I'll take it! I look forward to reading your offerings here.