Johnno what a teacher he was
We were all thin kids way back then
From the privations of the war
Except for one fatty name Mike
But his dad did work in a Bank
In those days schools were poorly manned
Johnno taught us Maths and Science
Then he took all us boys for Sport
Somehow squeezed in Music as well
A lot of us inscribed our names
On the ancient school’s red brick walls
So I put mine next to my Dad’s
Before I was caught in the act
But the initials stayed there
It was well worth half an hour
Sitting detention after school
To tell my Dad when he came home
Past six after work in the city
Johnno also ran the Stamp Club
Held once a month at week’s end
Word philately not used then
He was my favorite there too
More than that he inspired me
Made his lessons interesting
He praised all us kids at football
Said my voice was like a foghorn
I even loved him for that
Image found at www.thedailymail.co.uk
Isn't is wonderful when a teacher manages to inspire us with his way of teaching :D He sounds like someone you won't soon forget!
ReplyDeletesounds like he was a great encourager and would seek out good things in you as well. I thought putting your name next to your dad's was funny. Def hard yo discipline for following in the foot steps
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I had an unusual range of subjects to teach! What an amazing person. We would never expect a stamp nerd to also be on the sports field! What a model he was for boys, too, to be able to incorporate so many possibilities in one image of "man." I like the foghorn voice and your name on the wall near dad's.
ReplyDeletei find him a colorful personality and inspirational...a beautiful sketch OE....
ReplyDeleteGood teachers in life are the human ones - the ones who convey that they understand voices can be like foghorns but still like you anyway..i don't know if this autobiographical - i hope it is because it's very touching
ReplyDeleteWhat a great teacher, but interesting that one negative comment put a mark on him for you!
ReplyDeleteI love a teacher that encourages many interests and uses praise to motivate. I especially love the voice like a foghorn, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI guess most of our strength and determination are inspired by our teachers. Thanks for this Robin. Made me remember some of my teachers
ReplyDeleteNice story of your teacher ~ I enjoyed the look back to your younger years ~
ReplyDeletea learning experience for sure ((smiles))
ReplyDeletemuch love...
He loved you all a little I think--glad you loved him back--
ReplyDeleteYour teacher is very different to Miss Halsey of my poem. Pleased you have this good school memory.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have such an engaged instructor that could bring many different subjects to the table and leave you with such sweet memories of him. Interesting name...Johnno.
ReplyDeleteHis name was Gerald Johnson. We couldn't call him Gerry but Johnno was fine so long as he was out of earshot.
DeleteHow wonerful to have had such a caring and involved teacher. I bet he was the favorite of many of the boys. Enjoyed reading this tid-bit from your past.
ReplyDeleteA very visual poem...I can see the story unfold!
ReplyDeleteYour memories are clear and filled with appreciation. We all need teachers who care and show it,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
That teacher who tries hard and succeeds in getting us always stays in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteMemories of such teachers never fade....Lovely poem, Robin.
ReplyDeleteI don't know of Johnno is real or not, but you certainly make him come alive in this delightful poem!
ReplyDeleteTo Teach the Humble
He sounds wonderful and colorful.
ReplyDeleteTeachers like that are so valuable. (And I love your name going next to your Dad's!)
ReplyDeleteJohnno, what a fine talented and inspiring man. It is such teachers who shape us and give us something to look up to!
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing time. Thank goodness for people who are wiling to make a sacrifice.
ReplyDelete