Three Poems (Installment Two of Two)

And a tribute to a favorite teacher

Before this week’s trio of poems, a tribute to a favorite teacher; Ms. Lili Arkin.

Ms. Arkin was my high school English teacher in years 9 and 11, and my poetry teacher in year 12. Each week started with poetry Mondays, which had more emphasis on creative outlet than poetic excellence.

Lili Arkin was a spry, almost-sixty-year-old woman with endearing smiles. At five feet on a good day, she jokingly referred to her rapper persona as ‘lil Lil, and gave myself and my classmates plenty of room to explore our own lyrical skills.

Few teachers did as much as Ms. Arkin to stoke the flames of my creative fire. Or told as interesting narrative stories, such as the time she listened to Don McLean perform his American classic, “American Pie,” in a New York apartment, long before it was a classic.

These poems go out to Ms. Arkin and all the great teachers, mentors, and role models, who take time to make sure the kids are alright.

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Green Grass, Gritty Pavement
The grass is always greener
       on the other side.
Happiness is when you stop looking
       for green grass,
and appreciate the warmth
       of gritty asphalt on bare toes.

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Lovers Footsteps
With no mind
       to its deeds,
the moon pulls in the tide
       and washes away
the footsteps of lovers
       strolling across the sand.

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