Mrs. Phyllis Ward was a force
Petite, stylish red hair, glasses
Direct but compassionate
My junior and senior year she was my English teacher
Her passion for literature exuded
Her zeal palpable
We read The Grapes of Wrath, Travel’s with Charlie
Steinbeck, she revered
She knew I shared her priceless
Love of the written word
She instilled it
Mrs. Ward made me feel my passion was a gift
In my academic career
She was the most enlightened
Teacher, I encountered
Her instruction my forever fortune
She taught me I had a voice
That my thoughts about literature were vital
The passion she passed on serves me well
To know her was to know literature
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Author:
Katie B. (
Offline) - Published: May 26th, 2026 06:18
- Category: Short story
- Views: 6
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett
Offline)
Comments3
Oh wow! What a tribute. Had a couple of Lit teachers of such mien and grace. For them I too am forever indebted 🕊️🙏
Thank you so much, arqios!
Most welcome🙏🕊️
There’s a real warmth in this—like someone opening a door that changed your whole life and never quite closed again.
And she feels present in every line… not just a teacher, but the spark that made your voice feel allowed to exist.
Many thanks, Thomas. I value your in-depth review.
A wonderful tribute to a past teacher that touched and influenced a life. There are those few people in a person's life that have had the power to touch another soul and change its course this is true art and artist. Lovely Katie
Many, many thanks, Soren! I value your genuine feedback.
My pleasure Katie
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