Teach the River

Thomas Hemminger

November 3, 2022

A

Single drop in a

 Tiny stream combines

To create a mighty, rushing river. 

Just so, a teacher adds their own small part

To the magnificent, coursing stream of every child. 

A fact, a bit of truth, a question for each to ponder, 

A smile, a compliment, a sweet invite to wonder.

The river finds its own way, the route that it deems best. 

For it must make its own path in the landscape that it tests. 

Forbid the teacher hesitate to add their part in time.

Once a moment passes by, it may just be too late to have the same effect.

With every fleeting minute the river changes, never the same again.

One drop may be the strength the river needs to move the mountain up ahead, 

To lift the flounderer in the waves, or to nourish the seedling

Hidden within the earnest of good earth. 

Every drop is a promise. Every tribute a testament of

What expressions of care can create. 

Water can open the bud, and fill the ocean. 

Water will float on the air, and bring down strongholds. 

Water is able to cool the furious, and warm the indifferent. 

Water might take shape, but refuse to be contained. 

Water freezes the very seconds of time, yet it will change the world. 

                       Each teacher is a reacher true through each investment made.

                          May each teacher life renew with what they do and say. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.