teacher

it’s her birthday
reason for many to celebrate
she loved our children
she loved us
into being wiser parents

it’s been a while now
since she was in the classroom
teaching understanding
loving every child
every parent
for who we were
where we were

she changed worlds
for the better
loving neighbor as self
doing justice
loving mercy
walking humbly
seeing the divine
in every one

her memory
is fading
her smile
remains bright
her spirit --- joyful
her soul --- deep and wide
a fountain flowing
with love and hope

she may not remember
that when i was a
young mother
scared to death
as we say
she saved my life
but i remember
and like so many others
i rise up
call her blessed
call her blessed

amen

for eunice, august 16, 2011

with abiding love and gratitude

christie smith stephens