Everything You Were

I had a very special teacher many years ago
She knew I had potential, too
Thought I’d be published someday in the not-too-distant future
She lived to see that dream come true

And I can’t say now that she’s gone
What will be, but I know that she lives on

Every time I hear Bruce Springsteen play with the E Street Band
Or see a writer find potential they didn’t know they had
A whole world opens up because of teachers like her
Thank you, Patti, for everything you were

When I’m stuck in traffic waiting for the Cubs fans to move
I think of her and what she saw in me
Or when I write about the books I love or gratitude
I know that there’s a place for all to be

And I can’t say now that she’s gone
What will be, but I know that she lives on

Every time I work with students to learn the parts of speech
Or make a writer move beyond what they think is their reach
A whole world opens up because of teachers like her
Thank you, Patti, for everything you were

And I remember her as strict with kids who didn’t care to try
And I remember her playing “Peace Train” in class to kids who wondered why
But mostly I remember her dedicating her life to us kids
So I remember her for everything she did

Every time I think of my nerves giving a speech over the years
And every time I think of when she died, I can’t believe that she’s not here
I always remember her class and how much she helped me love to learn
Thank you, Patti, for everything you were.