A Simple Lesson

A Simple Lesson

I woke to a day that would be like all the others

I would ready myself, present myself to Teacher,

Listen, try, and fail

And though Teacher’s admonitions would be gentle,

I would feel their sting as if a thousand wasps assailed me

Doubts beset me as constant waiting enemies

It was clear to me that I was past my limits

Today, I would tell Teacher that I could no longer waste everyone’s time

That I would leave

That I would cede my future to unruly misfortune

It was a sad and ragged tune I played for myself and

I meant to play that dirge for Teacher at once

But, as I entered the place of learning,

Teacher came at me as if a seeking hound,

Barking pleasure at my late but faithful appearance

And told me of a special task allotted to me that day

Pointing to a newer student, Teacher said

That one is having trouble grasping a teaching

I know it was a lesson you once grappled with and conquered

I would like you to use your hard-won wisdom to aid the learning

I took a moment to decide that my resignation could wait,

That I could not leave if another was in need.

Forgetting myself, I fell to the task of mentoring

When, in the end, we both had gained greater understanding

I saw Teacher smile

And my self-doubt faded into a memory for another time

Oh, and that other student and I?

The tendrils of our learning together tie us together still

As deeply rooted friends