I Remember Him Now

This poem is in the fabulous collection of poems and short stories by Ivan Fitzwater titled "Laugh With Me, Cry With Me."

I Remember Him Now
I remember him now-- a shy little boy who sat in the
back of my class.
He never talked; he did his work just barely enough to pass.
He never tried to play the clown, nor did he seek my aid.
It haunts me when I think about the difference I might
have made.

The principal said I'd be the one to tell his family.
A suicide note addressed to no one simply said:
"I've got to be free."
"Why," I protested, "should I be charged to bring the horrible news?
I hardly knew him. I taught him, yes, but there are
others you should choose."

"It's because of this note that we found in his things
that we ask you to be the one.
The memory book that the dime store gives and the
kids find so much fun--
He only wrote on a single page, that pathetic little
creature.
He wrote your name on the page that says:
THIS IS MY FAVORITE TEACHER."


---All I could say when I read that the first time was "WOW!"
Everyone is important. Everyone is special in his or her own way.
I try to keep this poem in mind and let all my students know that
they are unique and important.

Suicide is not a light subject, and I chose to share this poem more
as a reminder to teachers that you do make a difference.

You are important to your students. True, as they get older it gets harder for them to express your significance in their lives, but they do appreciate you. You can make a huge impact on the direction they take. For some, all it takes is to show interest in something they are proud of. Or to take the time to comment or compliment them on something they put time and effort into. If they have a passion, take the time to boost their confidence, and set their heart soaring with pride.

Everyone is important... everyone is important.