TEACHER

BY ZUZEL PENA

Some people have a gift

A gift to understand others

And see things differently...

They can relate to many points of view

Listen, understand

And yet manage to keep their own...

Unfortunately there are others

Who cannot see past the skin

Past our mistakes

Yet when you listen

I know you see more than inmates...

I once heard that a hero is an anonymous hero

One that takes no credit

For his or her good actions

To me you are a true hero

In you I see what I could have been

And chose not to

And everything I can still become

If I change...

You let me know I’m not alone

And show me it's never too late

To make one moment at a time

This world this town this jail

A better place

You are my teacher at heart

And you have taught me things

My own mother could not teach

Although I’ve read these things

In the pages of many books...

At this point in my life

Freedom of expression is all I got

And I know is not much

Therefore, I express appreciation

Appreciation because you cheer me up

And bring me hope

Every time I believe in what you do

Not what you've accomplished in life,

But I thank you for always being you

And not what others think of you

I couldn't have a better teacher than you...

Thank you.