Teacher's Pet

Teacher’s Pet

I was curious for you to read my life

so I copied down my soul

and handed you the years

I had hoped that my words would see you

and that your spirit might feel the embrace of another

I write to me

but sometimes let people read over my shoulder

Giving “understanding of the word” is not a goal

sharing the feeling is my aspiration

Garnering any wisdom

no matter how general or detailed

is always advantageous

but secondary

I wish to live learning

but have no desire to be taught

And now I find myself in discourse with a teacher

who doesn’t seem to understand

it’s not the pen on paper

but the hand on skin that moves me

Don’t just tell me what you think

show me what you feel

If I can surround you with emotion

the how and why are not important

Don’t let the lessons of your past

become the teachings of your future

You’re not standing at a podium

and I’m not sitting at a desk

Look me in the eye from across a round table

and share your knowledge with me

Ask me, “Do you understand?”

Never assume, “She doesn’t understand”

Remember

a teacher must always be ready

to learn

February 21, 1993

Tressa Lee Breen