Remembering Newtown: A Poem for Teachers

The community of Newtown, CT has asked that we remember them by performing acts of kindness.  I wrote this poem to honor and thank teachers.  I hope you will hug a teacher today and tell them how much you appreciate their dedicated service.

A World Without Teachers
by Cheryl Amari
December 2013

A world without teachers would be very bleak

Who else would greet students with a smile from cheek to cheek

Who would write songs for kids to sing out loud

or hold a small hand to offer comfort in a crowd

Who would teach manners to kids during lunch

and help them open potato chips and drinks like fruit punch

Who would say “It’s lovely” when a child says “It’s dumb”

as they prepare a special gift for their dad or their mom

Who would give kids a chance to right their wrong

and show them that saying “I’m sorry” is a sign you are strong

Who would tell kids that it’s cool to be smart

and even better to cultivate a compassionate heart

Who would realize that kids like an “honorable mention”

but more importantly they crave for love and attention

Who would listen to their students’ trials and tribulations

in the midst of a lesson on verb conjugation

Who would prepare students for the national spelling bee

and help them pronounce words like gustatory

Who would recognize achievement and leadership potential

and remind students that no act of kindness is inconsequential

Who would tell jokes and use mnemonic tricks

to help kids learn subjects like math and physics

Who would spend time writing letters of recommendation

and other generous deeds that go without appreciation

Who would love students like children of their own

even though they realize these kids are on loan

Who would sacrifice their life to save a young soul

Why a teacher, of course, it’s just part of their role

Yes a world without teachers would be sad indeed

Thank God for our teachers . . . may we follow their noble lead