I had a teacher once in the sixth grade,
Mr. Placheki, math is what he taught.
We'd moved to a new state, a brand-new school,
and with anxiety my world was fraught.
I didn't know the teachers or the kids,
so painfully shy, all I felt was sad.
I wanted to fit in with everyone,
but it was hard for me, and I felt bad.
At math I was the worst and that's no lie,
I'm not much better now if truth be known.
Mr. Placheki changed that all around,
his confidence and faith in me were shown.
Quite patient with the students that he taught,
he never got frustrated, not at all.
He took the time, made sure we understood,
he made us all feel smart, and we stood tall.
He made me feel like I could do it all,
that greatest teacher I have ever had.
I actually learned math; can you believe?
He made a sad, shy child feel so glad.
I still remember him though years have passed,
the impact that he made upon me stays.
A special teacher and the kindest man,
I will remember him for all my days.
No teacher that I had before or since,
made me feel like Mr. Placheki did.
He passed away, I never got to say
how much he changed the life of one shy kid.
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