Michael Croshaw
Ex-Teacher
The generations of children came and went.
Some grasped, some lacked an inkling, what he meant,
each class a world wedged between window and wall.
A phantom of futility hung over all
and grew with the years as to almost materialize
(the kids saw, as kids do, the pain in teacher’s eyes),
making a mockery of good intention
as he passed from passion inevitably to pension,
stuck in a vacuum formed by the years’ constriction,
each lesson lessening fervour and conviction
till he must choose: accept the judas offer
of early retirement or stay and suffer.
No choice, really. Now he sits and thinks,
remembers all too clearly, overdrinks.
Through his mind the procession of pupils goes,
who forget him when they leave. Still the phantom grows.
Page(s) 76
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