I Teach School
Anonymous
I write no poem men's hearts to thrill,
No song I sing to lift men's souls;
To battle front, no soldiers lead;
In halls of state I boast no skill;
I just teach school.
I just teach school. But poet's thrill,
And singer's joy, and soldier's fire,
And statesmen power -- all -- all are mine;
For in this little group where still
I just teach school
Are poets, soldiers, statesmen---all:
I see them in the speaking eye,
In face aglow with purpose strong,
In straightened bodies, tense and tall,
When I teach school.
And they, uplifted, gaze intent
on cherished heights they soon shall reach.
And mine the hands that led them on!
And I inspired--therefore content,
I still teach school.