A Teacher- ('Guru')

Teachers are always a venerable sort, Happy that I belong to that ‘special’ lot, Instilling in young ones - newer insights gleaned, Enriching their lives - with atoms of knowledge pooled, Brightening their paths - with millions of lanterns lit, Rowing them away - from the perilous shoals of life, And leading them to be anchored on safer shores! A teacher sure stands taller above, Every other mortal who serves! ! She/he has to play all at once, myriad roles, More of a mentor and not just a tutor, A physician who heals, a nurse who tends, A parent who cares or a pal who shares, A patron who supports or a lawyer who argues, A scholar who learns and a master who trains. Numerous are the guise she/he has to don, And cleverer the tricks she/he has to play, To tackle the wards in her/his all out care, And launch them out into a world to fare. As Christ taught his disciples - with parables many, As Socrates instructed the youth - through endless queries, As Sullivan led Keller - to the new dawn of light, As Aesop enlightened the kids - with countless tales, I strive to be a TEACHER. An erudite soul with a mission! A sculptor who sees an angel, veiled within a rock! An architect building an edifice, to last a life time! A warrior uncompromising in war, On Ignorance – the most ignoble foe! I don’t know where I presently stand, Nor do I know how my students rate me, Though often floundered or failed to act, In the manner I ever so longed to do, I would rather be a TEACHER all my life, A ‘guru’ out and out, from hilt to heel! Though seldom seen in due deference, And the integrity often called to question, Still with pride, would I wear the mantle, Of a ‘Guru’ for all eyes to see!