I hated school more than I can say.
Eleven years old in a brand new city,
I was shy, uncertain, with no friends at all.
Both angry and sad, with lots of self pity.
I was starting sixth grade with low self esteem,
an okay student, but learning math was tough.
Until the day I met Mr. Placheki,
learning the basics of math was quite rough.
He took the time needed to clearly explain,
he gave me the feeling that he really cared.
I told him how hard it was moving away,
and knew that he listened to all that I shared.
Incredibly patient and so kind to me,
he's the only teacher who ever broke through.
Under his guidance I learned basic math well,
the very best teacher that I ever knew.
Mr. Placheki, he made me feel so smart,
I was painfully shy, he helped me make friends.
Mr. Placheki changed my outlook on life,
admiration I feel for him never ends.
There's never been a teacher before or since.
Try as I might I can't remember the name
of any educator who crossed my path,
who invested their time in me quite the same.
Years later I read, sadly he passed away,
I wished I had thanked him for all that he did.
It's such a great legacy to leave behind,
I'm sure he's remembered by many a kid.
I've praised Mr. Placheki in verse before,
and I'll do it again I'm sure, one fine day.
The very best math teacher there ever was,
who helped a sad young girl to find her own way.
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