The Substitute Teacher

 The Substitute Teacher

 

Some might say I squandered my gifts

& have little enough to show for it

That I rode my luck

& exploited my skin

This might well be so

 

But I have dined with a King

Literally

& touched the light

& saved 12 lives from a fire

I have fought on the streets for the rights of others

& I can speak with an opening tongue

 

Neither rich nor poor

In this place

But rich compared to most places

I guess I’ve kept my mind

Despite Tragedies

Or only lost things I could afford to

(Though I’d thought I couldn’t)

 

 

What advice then to give to the young?

I have no advice to give

But I’m happy to talk

& happy to listen

You’re bright, you’re wonderful

Please believe that

 

You’ll be running this world

When I’m long gone

You’ll be counting what you’ve lost & gained

And chatting to the next generation

 

 

©Malachi Doyle 2021.