for some reason
you saw
saw past the slumped
shoulders
and downcast eyes
and instead fixed your
gaze
upon the smile which hid
just behind my eyes
for some reason
you saw
saw beyond the ashy, bruised
skin
to the heart of the matter
and although abuse
colored my world
in your classroom
the rainbow shone
beautifully
and sun warmed the cold
parts
in your presence
i was capable of
anything
and fifth grade held that
magic
because you chose to
teach beyond assignments
and reach down to a
scared black child
with love
telling him through word
and deed
that the world was
anticipating
his smile
(dedicated to Mr. Quamma who never forgot to tell me i was special)
Jeffery Martin
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