The Good Teacher

The good teacher is a river for her students.

Supported by her wisdom,

   they glide over rough places

   and safely navigate dark waters.

She gently supports them with her right hand

   while pointing out their future with her left.

She reflects the midday sun

   even into the evening of her day.

 

The good teacher is a river for her students.

She reveals the horizon,

   its infinite span of possibilities.

No shuttered classroom

   can contain her teachings.

The embrace of her teachings

   balances the span of childhood,

Leaving youth freely unencumbered

   by the mudflats of life.

 

The good teacher is a river for her students.

No flotsam or jetsam

   clutters her banks.

The traverse of her waters

   touches all shores.

All is gentle with her.