Poem: Mists Now Gone

Mists Now Gone

Just before I wake my dreams are vivid.

I see one of my classes lying late

In bed with snores

While all above them

Little angels arise

To do heavenly chores.

But all the while I know

The little angels are nothing more

Than my own students

At task with their chores

And it is only me

That lies in bed and snores.

Those tasks I had are finished.

I’ll assign them work no more

But leave the work I started here

With someone who me ignores.

So to my class I’ll offer

What knowledge I can 

Offer them I’ll present no more

Even if it is only them I’ll always adore.

Alone in bed I waken,

The students are off at school

And all the tasks I would give them

Are dreams in my head

That are as substantial

As the mists in the air

Now gone.

September 2020

About This Poem

This poem is about my sudden retirement when the pandemic hit. It was difficult for me to do, but to be honest, I probably would not have retired without something just forcing me out. I loved teaching more and more every year. This poem shows that and reveals the lack of faith I had in my replacement. It also reveals my dreams that on occasion I still have--stress dreams, feeling like something isn't finished. The poem is also like that, a little rough and unfinished. But that's how it should be, so I present it here to you. The photo is of my classroom as seen from my desk, probably some 8-10 years ago.