image by Andrew Martin, on Pixabay, modified
The Guide
To teach is to guide.
It can be done from the front
when fear leads to tentative steps,
paving the way for the timid to follow.
It can be done from the side
when confidence is growing,
allowing for the exchange of ideas.
It can be done from behind
when the student is emboldened,
using encouraging words to motivate.
The love of teaching is sacrificing to be the guide.
The art of teaching is preparing others to be the guide.
The joy of teaching is watching them become the guide.
Mike Hall is in his 45th year as a teacher
and has authored two collections of poetry,
Autumn's Back Porch and Thinking Out Loud.
His work has appeared in Pure in Heart
Stories, Solid Food Press, Clayjar Review,
Modern Reformation, Sparks of Calliope,
Discretionary Love, Foreshadow Magazine,
and others. He and his wife, Cynthia, live
in the Dallas, Texas, area.
February 2025 issue
I love "The art of teaching is preparing others to be the guide." This poem is a poetic "deep dive" into the roles of teachers.