I teach School

I write no poem men's hearts to thrill, No song I sing to lift men's souls; To battle front, no soldiers lead; In halls of state I boast no skill; I just teach school. I just teach school. But poet's thrill, And singer's joy, and soldier's fire, And stateman's power -- all -- all are mine; For in this little group where still I just teach school Are poets, soldiers, statesmen---all: I see them in the speaking eye, In face aglow with purpose strong, In straightened bodies, tense and tall, When I teach school. And they, uplifted, gaze intent on cherished heights they soon shall reach. And mine the hands that led them on! And I inspired--therefore content, I still teach school.