Ode to Teacher

This is for the teachers,
For the preachers,
Of knowledge and development,
For the mentors
In their centers
Of learning and of growth.

This is for those who could see
Something worth nourishing in me,
Even when I'd given up on myself.
This is for those who cared,
Even when defiant teeth I bared
Against the very system that they work within.

This is for the ones who put up with my shit,
And the scathing comments that I called 'wit',
And did more for me than I could have possibly imagined.
This is for those who inspired,
Those who I have come to admire
For all they can do and have done for the young people of this place.

Thank you for all of your aid,
And thank you for having made
Me closer to the man I am today.
Thank you for the fun and the smiles,
For helping me to face the countless trials
And not cave under the weight of exams.

Your influence will not be forgotten,
'Till the day my body is cold and rotten
There are pieces of you within me, memories making influence.
From boy to greasy teenage dirtbag
To man, all under your flag.
This is for the teachers, whom I am better for having known.