Streaked Marble

She seemed a mere pebble
in an ocean of old rock
as she began her uphill journey.
Teaching her five children
and her students
how to be adults
she learned
to grow with them.

Those people with whom
she traveled
the rocky ups and downs
will think of her often
in thier daily comings and goings.

Her children will
see her smiling face
outside the principle's office
while her husband sees it
upon the faces of thier children.


She would tell us today
not to cry for her.
Even though
she stayed but a brief time
among us
she left her mark
on the world
like so many streaks
in the marble
of her kitchen counter.