For Ms. Park

Life is made of thousands,
of yet unopened rooms.

You stood with me before each one,
For that’s what teachers do.

Tomorrows are built with tiny steps,
How to build them, I hadn’t a clue.

But you held my hand and built with me,
Because that’s what teachers do.

My future lies atop a cliff.
Somewhere that I must fly to.

You gave me the wings that should be yours,
So I’d know what teachers do.

I’m the me I am, because of this,
I can’t ask for more from you.

God gave me an angel, when I entered your class.
For He knew what teachers do.
-Wendy L Kohlhoff
© 2004