at graduation
 she begins, paper ready,
 take a pic with me–
 
 you’ve helped me the most
 and you’re my favorite teacher
 what i needed now
 
 for all failed attempts
 at being the dream teacher
 now, she’s my starfish
 
 (that favored fable
 old man, beach, saving starfish
 one throw at a time)
 
 and i am observed
 and my kids type their life tales
 (no internet woes)
 
 and i find the book
 with audiobook to match
 (my reluctant reader)
 
 i read two chapters
 she proudly tells me later,
 Spanish class now done
 
 and just like i guessed
 there is always tomorrow
 to shine its bright light