Sponsorship

Spring, 1970, a critique from a kid,
8th grader, spoke Tex-Mex at home
and I'd tried to teach him Spanish II.
I'd aimed to start tough, in charge,
the teacher, the leader — but failed
miserably at first, then learned.
"I'd hate to have you next year."
What a compliment! A teacher
should pilot, steer, not grab the tail
yelling stop, turn, I'm in charge!
A teacher's not there as a chum.
Pleasing people isn't my job
when I've been asked to guide.
Loving, nurturing, shepherding,
but not pleasing.