I am a quick learn.
Cut me open,
and my knowledge will pour
onto your favorite shoe.

My teacher,
the one who cares outside of class,
is not a person,
but instead he is experience.

“Write down your thoughts.”
he advises me gently.
“because there is no guarantee
anyone besides you
is listening.”

“Do not share your goals aloud.
That only creates
a sense of false accomplishment
which leaves a bitter aftertaste.”

And then,
my favorite lesson,
the one that has followed me
so loyally through my life:

“Build bridges
with gunpowder
lining every brick.”

Where, oh where,
would I be
without my beloved teacher?