All too late the memories come
Understanding found when all is done
I knew nothing of her early life
Waitress, mill worker, lonely strife

She stood so strong and bold in class
Short and graying, but a stare like glass
No man nor beast would dare to cross her
Yet I never had a more affecting teacher

I would have easily sat there, vague and dim
But for her nurture and acidic questioning
She massaged my brain and expanded my mind
To crave discovery and escape my lowly bind

That was almost twenty years ago today
And I know how much I have to repay
I always meant to show her I did notice
That my life this day is due to her focus

But she died before I made that small effort
And I hate myself for it—
Alone and sad in a dark empty room
I wish I had thought of her more soon.