to the blackboard
to diagram sentences. Stressful
for some, hunched at their desks.
But there comes a day when
Miss Hammel challenges us
another way: “Put pen to paper,
become a piece of chalk.” We all
sit dumbfounded, but take up

the task. After ten minutes
she calls time and we hear:
”Now write as though you are
the blackboard.” Then finally,
”Be the eraser.” The next day
we are to create a three-way
conversation: chalk, blackboard
and eraser. We read our dialogues

aloud, relax in relief
as Teacher deems them all to be
worthy. No right or wrong.
”Imagination at work,” she says.
Humor, anger, one-upmanship,
cooperation, blame, pride.

It feels like a benediction when she
smiles and adds, the stuff of stories.

Judge’s Comments:
One thing that poetry can do is to pay tribute to those who have made a difference in our lives. This poem does that so well, and has an excellent, fitting ending.