Ode to a Racist Teacher

Ode to a Racist Teacher

Thank you, dear teacher, in that Hawaiian "paradise,"
for showing me the

differences

of the world,

for telling only me
to put my hand down, that my answers were

not right.

You helped me to doubt myself and to

withdraw.

You helped me to think I was

not sufficient

for this world.

Because of you
I thought it was

me

who had to change
to make it right.

They didn't discipline you--
it was easier to move

me.

You were my teacher.