Our Loss

It was early summer

Poinciana trees began to bloom

The campus dappled with fiery red 

Like flames of passion 

In our young hearts

Semester ending

Looking forward to summer vacation

We did not pay attention to

Mr. Cheng’s subdued voice 

As he lectured us

Our favorite middle school teacher 

Charmed us with

His enthusiasm in teaching

Wisdom, humor and

Heartwarming encouragement

At the end of the class

He made an announcement

This would be his last day 

At our school

The unexpected news 

Silenced our laughter 

Wrapped us in sorrow 

Stirred muffled sobbing 

Over losing his nurturing 

Of our intellect

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States