Page 109 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

THEY ASK ME WHY I TEACH

They ask me why I teach, and I reply

Where could I find more splendid company?
There sits a Statesman, strong, unbiased, wise

Another later Webster, silver-tongued

And there a doctor whose quick, steady hand
Can mend a bone, or stem the lifeblood's flow

A builder sits beside him—Upward rise
The arches of a church he builds

Wherein That minister will speak the word of God

And lead a stumbling soul to touch the Christ
And all about a lesser gathering of farmers

Merchants, teachers, laborers

Men who work and vote and build and plan and pray
Into a greater tomorrow

And I say: I may not see the church,
Or hear the word, or eat the food their hand will grow,

And yet—I may

And later I mpy say: I knew the man
When he was strong, or weak or kind or proud

Or bold or gay. I knew him once...

But then he was a child.
They ask me why I teach, and I reply

Where could I find more splendid company?

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