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 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 has to don, And cleverer the tricks she has to play, To tackle the wards in her 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 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 sometimes called to question, Still with pride, would I wear the mantle, Of a ‘Guru' for all eyes to see!