The Candle

I wrote this poem more than five or six years ago. Inspired by Seong Yeon, my Korean student who was then only 9 or 10 years old, this embodies how i see my role as a teacher/tutor. 




The Candle


Look up my child and behold this visage before you.
My eyes unveil a threshold that only a few men knew.
Its twists and turns would lead to valleys inside my head,
Where wisdom flows, knowledge grows, and dreams rise from their beds.

My voice would then be your torch; my hands serve as thy steed.
From this acumen the words would spill to fill your need.
As you bask in wonder, your mind would move to greatness,
Shedding light to your strengths, defeating your weaknesses.

What you thought was not there, reveals itself to you.
Giving the force you need to do what you should do.
Immense courage lies at the back of trepidation.
When you say you "can't", that settles your limitation.

So little angel, have faith in my understanding.
Revel in the excellence my intellect can bring.
With my careful guidance as your friend, as your mentor;
Your triumph is my reward. My patience thy shelter.

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