Teachers by Ricky

Tragedy brought them together,

United by a common desire to help those in need.

Their desire entwined with emotions strong and yet tender.

They huddled around a table, while awaiting their host,

Yet were confused why this meeting was necessary.

The host arrived and addressed each by name,

“Anne, Dawn, Lauren, Mary, Rachel, and Victoria;

I see you are all here so let us begin.

Do you all understand why you are here?”

“No!” said Dawn (the others joining in),

“We all have important work to do.  People need us right now!

Sir, you must let us all go back to work—Please.”

With eyes radiating love and compassion the host looked at those

Seated around the table before he spoke.

“I perceive that you do not understand.

We have a great need for you to remain here with us.” he began.

“We need your skills, talents, abilities, and creativity.  

Your transfers are all complete,

And only your concerns need be discussed.”

He continued, “You are no longer needed in your other positions.

The people you wish to help are cared for by others but,

Those who actually do need your help,

Also are here, specifically to be with you.”

“You see our schools need teachers, administrators, staff,

And therapists too,

But only those who actually love whom they serve.

Not just anyone will do,”

The veil was lifted from their minds and understanding,

They slowly rose from their seats, kneeled, and

Thanked their host who indicated a door,

Which they passed through into a classroom.

Vicki called roll as the students from Sandy Hook Elementary

Arrived one-by-one.

In memory of those innocents lost to senseless violence.

Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Rachel D’Avino (adult), Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Dylan Hockley, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung (adult), Madeleine F. Hsu, Catherine V. Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Nancy Lanza (adult), Jesse Lewis, Ana Marques-Greene, James Mattioli, Grace McDonnell, Anne Marie Murphy (adult), Emillie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Lauren Rousseau (adult), Mary Sherlach (Adult), Victoria Soto (Adult), Benjamin Wheeler, Allison N. Wyatt.

© 5 January 2013

About the Author

I was born in June of 1948 in Los Angeles, living first in Lawndale and then in Redondo Beach.  Just prior to turning 8 years old in 1956, I began living with my grandparents on their farm in Isanti County, Minnesota for two years during which time my parents divorced.

When united with my mother and stepfather two years later in 1958, I lived first at Emerald Bay and then at South Lake Tahoe, California, graduating from South Tahoe High School in 1966.  After three tours of duty with the Air Force, I moved to Denver, Colorado where I lived with my wife and four children until her passing away from complications of breast cancer four days after the 9-11-2001 terrorist attack.

I came out as a gay man in the summer of 2010.   I find writing these memories to be therapeutic.