But Nobody Knows (Thank You, Teacher)

"Good morning, Darling,"
Mommy says, and a kiss she blows,
I feel slightly hung over, but nobody knows,
I've always hated getting up Monday mornings.

"Its time to get up, Sunshine,"
Daddy smiles and kisses my cheek,
Time for yet another stressful school week,
I hate leaving this warm, comfy bed of mine.

Spending practically an hour just on my hair,
I look in the mirror and hate it all,
Shoulders sloughed, I never stand tall,
Then change into something better to wear.

On goes the cover-up, and lipstick too,
Put in my contacts and fake a smile,
Stare at the mirror again for a while,
Stomach in a knot, heart in two.

I have algebra first period today,
My teacher will brighten the darkness,
Just one smile will clear the blurriness,
I can't wait to hear everything she has to say.

She loves me and accepts me,
Shes the best teacher ever,
I sure do admire everything about her,
There's something in me she sees.

At the end of each class,
She'll smile and say,
"Make good choices today,"
Just like to first day-
and I suspect the last.

I enter the room beaming,
I suddenly feel relieved,
A 1,000 pound weight has been lifted,
Just to see her there standing.

Before I know it, the bell rings,
A successful class period is over,
Onto history I go, sad to leave her,
I slowly gather up my things.

Back to her room after reading,
Its now 5th period, a.k.a. tutorial,
It's an honor to be with this intellectual,
Knowing she's there is a great feeling.

My high from the night before
is sadly wearing off,
As I'm doing on my homework-
just going with the flow,
But nobody knows,
The pain inside I must brushoff.

I've done small favors for her since
a little before winter-time.
I share the period with this
teacher everyday of the week,
Even though others call me a freak,
Yes, it's finally lunch time.

The other day we talked about
something that we never have before,
She was saying how sad it is when kids do drugs,
I wanted to scream or just give her a hug,
It made my heart sink all the more.

There I was feeling so stupid,
If only you could have saw the look in her eyes,
How I had to hold back the tears I'll later cry,
I feel this ship of my life sinking quite rapid.

On Monday's I spend seminar
with this beautiful individual,
Just to see her confidence,
Gives me that assurance,
And it makes me feel special.

She asks me before I leave if every thing's OK,
The truth interferes with my false pride,
I know in my heart she's by my side,
Yet, I can't find the right words to respond-
I know I don't have to lie.

My head bows down,
And I want to tell her all of the above,
but I'm afraid I'll lose her love,
No smile in her eyes- we frown.

"Years from now will you remember me?"
I have to ask, I need to know,
She speaks words having an unfamilar flow,
My thoughts were anxious to see,

She tells me something I'll always remember,
"I'll never forget you, Sarah," she says,
There's a smile in her eyes brighter than the sun is,
I honestly have never felt happier.

What would happen next I never expected,
She reached out with open arms
and said those three words,
I felt like singing with the birds,
I speak those words back feeling respected.

On over to her open arms I go,
I feel hug still right now,
How I my heart gasped, "Wow,"
She really cares, I never wanna let go.

I woke up Monday morning, not knowing
what was in store,
She was there for me,
She told me that she loves me,
My teacher made my day once more!

I think last night will be the last
time I get high to solve my problems,
The last time I drink my self to sleep,
The last time I light up a cigarette.

Not everyone knew, and didn't have to,
I am stronger, I am better.
All because of her...
Thank you, Mrs. W., for helping me "make good choices."
Thank you, Mrs. W., for saving my life.

Copyright:
Sarah Mirabile
January 2008