See his face now
Rough and ragged, full beard
Covered chin like a goat
Whistling the tune from an old song
Five days to work
Those arms lifted the wood
Grasp the hammer and
Beat a nail into the surface

Look at his brown eyes
Peering into his kindness
Both filled, to the brim
With knowledge wisdom and warmth,
His poised demeanor.

Recall the man who shared
His insight with the class
Every break time
Who taught them lessons life would hold
Who said never succumb to fear.

Keep his face etched in mind
Gently smiling with kind eyes
In a school, in a class
With two other teachers
Keep his fist grasping
Wood, nails, and rulers
Hitting the hammer down
******* the nail
A teachers words spoken to hold dear