To the Unknown Teacher

I came across the following poem in the Oct 2007 issue of the Methodist Message and I reflect on my role as an educator.

And I think of the candles I've lit and how they are shining now and bringing cheer to me. They are now older and are my friends. How often does one have the privilege of accompanying an ex-student/friend to buy a proposal ring? What about having an ex-student/friend teach you the finer points of saxophone playing? Or what about being chauffeured around in a Merz by an ex-student/friend who also loves your niece?

I truly thank God for blessing me...

The Unknown Teacher -Henry Van Dyke (1852 - 1933)-

I sing the praise of the Unknown Teacher.
Great generals wins campaigns, but it is the unknown soldier who wins the war.

Famous educators plans new system of pedagogues, but it is the
Unknown Teacher who delivers and guides the young.

He lives in obscurity and contents with hardship. For him no
trumpets blare, no chariots wait, no golden decorations are decreed.

He keeps the watch along the border of darkness
and leads the attack on the trenches of ignorance and folly.
Patient in his duty. He strives to conquer the evil powers
which are the enemies of youth. He awakes sleeping spirits.
He quicken the indolent, encourages the eager and steadies the
unstable.

He communicates his own joy in learning and shares
with boys and girls the best treasures of his mind.
He lights many candles which in later years will shines back to
cheer him. This is his reward.

Knowledge may be gained from books, but the love of knowledge
is transmitted only by personal contact.
No one has deserved better of Republic than the Unknown
Teacher, No one is more worthy to be enrolled in a democratic
aristocracy, ” King of himself and servant of mankind ”