72. For Mr. Bailey

Thank you for saving my life.

If it hadn't been for you

I might not have made it through

You kept me coming back

Even through the fear of attack

You knew how to make me smile

For 50 minutes I could live in denial

Because you made learning fun

And convinced me that it wasn't done

When I started your class

My self-esteem was as fragile as glass

I was so close to cracking

Because something was always lacking

Every success made me feel

Like I was being reinforced with steel

And suddenly I was unbreakable

And my power was unmistakable

I don't think you ever understood

But you made me feel so good

And for those 50 minutes they all melted away

You know you really got me through the day

I never did tell you Thank you
I know this poem is long overdue

But if it hadn't been for you

I wouldn't have made it through

Author's Note

I am trying to improve my rhyming skills, so I've been writting more rhyming poems these days. This one is for possibly the best teacher and man alive. He had such an impact on me and I don't think he'll ever know just how much he did for me. I haven't seen him since my graduation, but honestly, if it hadn't been for him, I don't know where I'd be today.