I haven`t updated this blog in a while, mainly because of work that has been keeping me busy, but also because a lot of the things I recently wrote and wanted to post up here were mainly concerning education (obviously, because I`m currently in the teaching field). I didn`t want to bore anyone with my opinions of the faults of certain educational institutions.
So a few weeks ago, I was moved emotionally enough to write a poem (Which I will post at a later stage as soon as it`s fully edited) and remembered some poetry that I wrote in my third year at campus. I then had a friend mail me these poems, so I could post them up on this blog over the next few weeks (or months) and coincidently, one of them describes perfectly the calibre of people that I find myself associated with since joining TeachSA in December 2010.
The following poem I initially wrote to honour the Peer Facilitators of The University of the Western Cape after I was selected as a member in 2008 and then to supervise them in 2009. What inspired me to write it was the dedication that my teammates put into their work to make new students feel welcome at our University, even though they knew that they were only getting a stipend, which was already too much because doing it was voluntary anyway.
However, when I write anything, I like a wide range of readers to be able to relate to it. So although the following poem was originally written to honour the Peer Facilitators of 2008 and 2009, it`s also dedicated to the Teach South Africa ambassadors, to my Dad who works for SANZAF (a welfare organisation) and to everyone who works for the betterment of humanity. It speaks for itself...
To The Silent Heroes
Here`s to those awake in the early morn
Before the world stirs for another day
To those dressed before dawn
Before time slowly withers away
Here`s to those who do not care
That the hours are many but the wages are not
To those who do it for the love – and are there
Despite the days so long and hot
Here`s to those who suffer in silence
And who save the rest from falling apart
To those who end the Rage and the Menace
They are those who give it their heart
Here`s to the those who show the way
Leading others by the hand
To those who help without delay
Who listen and understand
Here`s to those who do not wait
Who go the extra mile
To those who know their work is great
But are modest all the while
Here`s to those who guide the lost
And defend the faint at heart
To those who fight it out at all cost
Till the end and from the start
Here`s to those with the biggest smiles
Even with feet so sore
To those who walk the longest miles
Who are not afraid of asking for more
Here`s to those who stay behind
And watch while everyone leaves
To those whom you will always find
Are ready with rolled up sleeves
Here`s to those unsung Heroes
The shepherds who hide their fears
To those with watered brows
Here’s to the Volunteers
- M. Abdul-Mugheeth Petersen
