Join Two Writing Teachers and other teacher-writers as we share a slice of life every single day in the month of March.
I stand
in the 4th grade hallway
as he trudges along
in his work boots
with one pant leg caught.
Many boys are flaunting
their Air Jordans,
but not A.J.
A.J. proudly wore his
work boots.
He was a worker
a helper
a blessing to those in need.
Eight years go by
and I watch
the service
as his life ends
much too soon.
Below the casket
sits a pair of boots
and I remember.
Losing a student is so hard! I had a student in my class a few years ago and she passed away two summers ago. Every now and then I find reminders of her in my classroom. It's a hard loss.
ReplyDeleteOh Leigh Anne. I'm so sorry for your loss. I haven't lost many students yet, but somehow I know that is going to be the hardest part of teaching. This made me think of a similar student who was even nicknamed "Boots" by his peers -- because he always wore cowboy boots around campus.
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful poem and I appreciate you for sharing it.
Oh this is hard. I am sorry. Your memory of him and his boots and his helper ways is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for this lost. I have lost several students, and it doesn't get any easier. However, your post was a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories. And what a great way to honor that memory.
ReplyDeleteYou see the boots and remember. You remember and you write. May the memories and the poem give comfort.
ReplyDeleteOh, Leigh Anne, he was so young. I'm sorry for this sadness for the family and the whole school community. God bless you all. You have written a beautiful poem to remember him. I love these lines--he wasn't concerned about wearing Air Jordans, but instead wore his work boots because:
ReplyDeleteHe was a worker
a helper
a blessing to those in need.
Oh Leigh Anne, so sorry. May peace, love and comfort surround you and AJ's loved ones as you continue to celebrate and mourn his passing. Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteHere we are with the same teacher grief. the potential lost weighs so heavily on me. All the almosts.
ReplyDelete