20 Pairs of Shoes
Everyday you walk into my classroom, smiles beaming.
Innocent laughter fills the once empty room.
As others sit quietly down at their seats,
I begin to tie your shoes.
With every pair of laces I tie,
I find honor knowing the person who fills the shoes in front of me.
This unique person, whom I have the honor of getting to know,
so special.
Excitement for life,
radiates in your voice.
You’re special in the way you want to be a race car driver.
That laugh, that smile, those big bright eyes!
You’re special in your zest for life,
and the gentle way you hold your hands.
These shoes in front of me,
have invited lonely children to play,
and have traveled to the Grand Canyon.
They have witnessed things that I will not witness in my lifetime,
and yet they walk up to me and place crackers on my desk
just in case I, 'get hungry.'
These shoes carry my best friend’s son, and another child’s big sister.
The places you will go and the lives you will touch,
will be carried with joy, always.
20 pairs of shoes,
learn and grow.
Laughter on silly days,
heartbreak on others.
Their success will always be mine.
I am honored to help shape the future.
I will always tie your shoes.
