I spent two and a half hours
conversing with a former student
about school and art.
We spoke of spirituality, 
Number the Stars, the 
importance of a smile.
She recalled class pets,
children with hamsters 
sleeping in the pockets. 
Her memory of being validated,
of knowing she was seen,
of knowing that her thoughts
and feelings were important,
led her to reach out to me
to ask for my input
about writing for her future.
I am honored and humbled
to be a positive memory,
a guiding influence
in the heart of this beautiful
human being I once taught.

6/11/2024
KW