WINNER
SIDERIUS SHORT POETRY
COMPETITION, 2024
SIDERIUS SHORT POETRY
COMPETITION, 2024
No label I knew fitted Mr Gann
No dogma as written, no social plan.
No policies, no hashtags,
Real smiles for tough kids with fags.
His handclasp was warm, affirming
Like an old habit, a way of life.
His eyes held truth, as he knew it.
No plaster saint, no compromise.
His imperfections, revealing.
His self-compassion, healing.
A teacher’s heart, for every kid
Did he ever judge? He often did.
No dogma as written, no social plan.
No policies, no hashtags,
Real smiles for tough kids with fags.
His handclasp was warm, affirming
Like an old habit, a way of life.
His eyes held truth, as he knew it.
No plaster saint, no compromise.
His imperfections, revealing.
His self-compassion, healing.
A teacher’s heart, for every kid
Did he ever judge? He often did.
