Out front the high school
Each morning,
A man stands,
Bearing above his head a
One word pronouncement.
Watching parents leaving
Their children,
Teachers driving in,
He tilts his sign to catch
All eyes.
Morning after morning:
PRAYER.
Each day I ponder
His cryptic word.
Is it protest
or encouragement?
Prayer ?
for kids
to be attentive?
to do their homework?
to embrace their learning opportunity?
to have supportive homes?
Prayer for staff
to be patient?
to be available?
to see what needs to be seen?
to do what needs to be done?
It’s not such a terrible reminder,
for anyone,
whatever the motivation.
Shawn L. Bird 
I’m not only a Follower, I am now a Fan. Beautiful.
Thanks very much!
Reblogged this on ronovanwrites and commented:
I really enjoy this lady’s work. And this particular one just hit a spot with me today. Read and Follow her. I imagine most of you do already.
Seems, to me, like a reminder. A non-sectarian equivalent might be: Gratitude.
I have no idea. At some point I should just ask him. 🙂 Perhaps next week, when we’re out front with signs ourselves?
What an inspiring image you paint with words! Thank you
My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by!
Prayer
Sounds to me like a one word blessing.
I suppose it depends upon your worldview.
Your prior experience.
Your fears or worries.
Your hopes and dreams.
If it were me I might give him
a thank-you card, hand written.
Just to let him know
someone has seen his sign
and cares.
🙂
i would tell him about this blog, let him know his sign is not in vain. Thanks for sharing. Reminds me of the story of the George Street evangelist (see youtube) who asked 10 people a day the same question, “Are you saved? If you were to die tonight are you confident you would go to heaven?” He never knew the impact until two weeks before he died but Christians around the world had come to faith because that one question nagged at them….
Knowing the positive impact you’ve made is a really special thing. I often wonder whether any of my former students changed course or were inspired by being in my class.
We should all give feedback and thanks more often
True.
Prayer is important at all times!
and more at others.
Yes, and more at others.
I love this one!
Thank you.
Wow…. Simple yet stunning. I loved the poem….I am following your blog and thank you for following me too. Hope you enjoyed my poems too….hoping to read more of you in course of time.
Thank you, Chaitali.