Seeing the Future

An occupational hazard

I’m looking to the future

I have my crystal ball

If you have a moment,

I’ll be glad to share it all

 

My seer’s not really crystal

It’s cinder block and slate

When I look closely in it,

I can predict our fate

 

I see Pete, the class’s clown ~

Future comedian, you know it;

And gentle Marykate Louise

Is likely to be a poet

 

Franny Sue will be a great mommy,

So nurturing and sweet,

And pastry chef’s in Patty’s cards;

Her cupcakes can’t be beat

 

Johnny Joe may just become

America’s best president,

While Timmy Bob may spend some time

 A reformatory resident

 

I see emerging doctors,

Lawyers, nurses, teachers too,

The future of my students

Is the fate that we’re all due

 

So before you spout opinions

Of “These darn kids today”,

Give just a little thought

To important roles they’ll play

 

Our country’s got its problems,

And some may want to nix it,

But don’t discount our young ones;

They may be the ones to fix it.

Author's Note

Looking at my students this morning, this came to mind. No, these are not real names. After 23 years, I can make some amazingly accurate predictions!

Reviews

[Dhaye]

We have a great vision for our students. We always wanted them to be successful in every step they make to reach their dreams.
Students now have their own behavior. Some are easy-go-lucky. Some are too serious. And with those characteristics we can see in them everyday, we make some predictions of who will they be in the future.

Nice poem. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

And hopefully, we can nurture them to become their best possible selves. Thank you, Dhaye!

[Dhaye]

You're welcome. :)

[Jack...]

I imagine you can. My english teacher told me she was surprised I could even talk because I couldn't write worth a darn. I wonder where she's at now.

Your poem Rita is right on, the future is in these kids and fine teachers like you. It is a fun piece and a real piece. Very nice.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jack. I am incredulous at your English teacher's comment! (Though I had a nun in 4th grade who treated me like a moron because I couldn't do math...) I wish you could find her and share with her your wonderful poems...
I am careful about everything I say to a student, because (clearly) those words stick!

[Jack...]

That they do but honestly, her doubt I believe, fueled me in some ways.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i look at my students and often wonder the same things...what will they do? how much will they achieve...and can they save this mess that we are in now...unfortunately i have so many who only care about their next text message...but others are devoted students...and would like to see involvement like in the 60's..and change for the better.

this is almost like looking into a high school yearbook and all of the inscriptions..

love it.

[Rita L. Sev]

"Most likely to... " Yep. It's so easy for teachers at all levels to get discouraged, but there are students in every class that have so much to offer the world. Thank you, Jacob!

[Devanshu Rajput]

ya.....i hope that your students......or i should say that every student of world become a successful man/women.....very nice poem.....and pls also hope that i will become a great writer one day....

[Rita L. Sev]

Hold onto those hopes, Devanshu! I put a lot of hope into every class I teach. Thank you!

[Devanshu Rajput]

welcome

[Distant horizons]

This is excellent. Nice to see that some still see positives in the future. We do often forget that those pesky kids are the same as we were, just a different flavour. And can we really complain about them when our generation have left them a steaming pile of poo for a future?
Love this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly - each generation screws it up for the next. The kids of today are the only hope we have. Thanks, Lorry!

[Kristin Lee]

Amen! I love the humor and the message :) Well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Kristin!

[Will]

People forget that the future of our nation depends on children and young adults. No one truly understands that better than a teacher. You've expressed this sentiment beautifully here, Rita. I have to say, the names are cute, and so are the rhymes. In this cutesy sort of way, you've carried through a very powerful message. Nice job!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Will - I try to never forget that my students are the future for everyone.