The Enricher

Every Night Mr Miller Dreams

Every night Mr Miller dreams
of the day he will retire.
There'll be a small party
in the staff room
during the lunch hour
and at final assembly
he'll receive a major gift
from the whole school
plus presents
from individual pupils
who will be heartbroken
to see him leave.
Children, past and present
(some now grown up)
will file past to thank him
for being so inspirational
- for changing their lives.

In the evening
a large group of colleagues and friends
will take him out for drinks
and a meal.
There will be speeches
charting his impressive career
and praising his achievements.

He can't wait.

Day two. Week one. First job.
A long way to go.

Every night Mr Miller dreams.



Poem copyright Bernard Young
From Wanted Alive by Bernard Young, Hands up Books, 2004