I have a lady friend who's life hasn't been to kind to her, but throughout, she knew what she wanted from life and worked hard to achieve her goals. She is now a successful and respected member of the teaching profession. This was written when she first started out teaching, but I guess still applies to her and all those who teach. TEACHER How can it be, that a teacher like me, has to work every hour of each day, for I need not the strife, it's no way for a life, though I admit that I do need the pay. It's my fault I suppose, had ideas grandiose and the class would be all eyes and ears, but in truth what I found, was in some not a sound and others repressed by their fears. Such a problem you see, for a rookie like me, to break through all the walls they erect, but with learning as light, through the darkness they might hold out hands, in a mutual respect. For I have a strong need to see ignorance freed and replaced through the passage of time, with minds opened wide, enthused from inside with a passion to learn, just like mine. My task will be tough but it's not good enough to see others drift off to one side, yet I know through my mind, disappointment would find such a void and in that place would hide. Now it seems through my fears and occasional tears that some progress at last has been made, not all would agree and especially me, that I'm worth all the salary paid. I can see this thing out and will prove there's no doubt that through all I will cut like a knife, for when all's said and done, I don't do this for fun, what I do is the love of my life.