First English Teacher Of Mine Comments

Thank you so much, Dr Dillip

What a great thing, we thought/On the chalk board he drew/Some strange letters and/Pointing at each with a stick, read/Asking us to follow...I can very well imagine the classroom ambience with such a great teacher steering his pupils! A wonderful tribute to your teacher sir.....10

This has been you first initiation into the Queen's Language! I must say that even though the approach of your teacher had been a little rash, you were fortunate to have learnt the first lessons of English language from an Englishman! A beautiful account! A 10

This is really a good poem, and I believe it happened. But your skill with the English language must be improved. Suppose you had written this in Sinhalese and had it been translated by an expert, I would have enjoyed it even more. I remember school, I was perhaps 10 years old, and in Class 6, and we had this dreadful PT teacher. He was always dressed in white T short and white shorts. He carried a wooden baton, like how the police constable carries his stick. (You can call it a truncheon, but most people won't understand the word!) Well, we young fellows were Gathered in the evening Lining up for PT (Physical Training In the hot evening sun) And this fellow in white Was barking out orders (Something like Stand-at-ease! and Attention!) And I failed to respond. My mind was elsewhere. Then suddenly the brute Came up to me and rapped me On my head with his baton. It really hurt. I was in a daze. I can never forget The stupid cruelty of this stupid PT teacher. This happened 50 years ago. Had it happened in 2016 The brute would have been booked For a criminal act, Causing injury with a blunt instrument Upon the skull of a weak young 6th Class student.

Teacher and student! Real incident. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

Great poem! I am so sorry for your ear, probably for those days was one of the kindest ways to punish, I am so glad the education system is different now. Otherwise, excluding the awful treatment your teacher seemed to have done a good job as you became a great writer, using the letters he taught.. Wonder how many of your classmates keeps using English in their daily lives....

Hi, Thank you for your comment. Same time, I feel that most in town environs today can't visualize this situation about six decades ago in an utterly rural village where not many in elegant outfits stepped in. Way he arrived at our school that day, still I remember, was totally strange to all of us. Clad in long white pants, and long sleeved shirt, wearing a big thick hat and a pair of black shoes took us by bewilderment. Amazing o reminisce all that after so long.

According to my true point of view, I would like to mention that you have written this marvelous poem based on your true expressions towards your revered teacher in old time. Why did you say that he was walking with an Alien walk? by the way. I wandered..

Nice, I felt the passion of this poetic write!

Very nice experience. well versed. I think it is a stereotype event. Nice poem

Arrival of an English teacher was awesomely viewed by the village kids;like an alien perhaps. Teachers though were harsh then had the best interest of their students at heart.They were revered and literally worshipped. Thanks for the wonderful lines.

What an interesting experience you had all those years ago! He does sound a little severe though - twisting your ear! ! ! I remember teachers like that myself in 1970's England. They're not allowed to do things like that these days! But great that you had a language brought to you that is spoken all over the world. And I guess I wouldn't be reading your poem/story right now if you hadn't had the opportunity. Thanks for sharing a piece of your life!

Hello poet friend Jayatissa. It is wonderful that you had a good teacher and it has proven to be a blessing to you and all whom you now teach as well. I enjoyed your poem of tribute. I also wanted to thank you for the kind review and comments you made about my poem, The Pastor's Wife. Your words were a true blessing. Loyd C. Taylor, Sr.

no heroes but heroes.. Great poem. best wishes mr. Liyanage

Several years back, English language was totally alien especially to the rural folk! The teacher's reaction on your inability to learn ABC is so typical of the village masters then.... turning or twisting the ear lobe! Though teachers used to be harsh, they were so concerned about their students' well being and students loved and respected them! Enjoyed this excursion to old times!

Beautiful picturesque portrayal in honour of a memorable teacher...Thanks for sharing sir.

a nice pen picture of a teacher.....a real memory to visit..... a memory of school life....enjoying matter! !

Very nicely envisioned about an english teacher and process of teaching. This poem is a great tribute to him. Very sentimential, well done. Many thanks respected sir. Keep the ball rolling.

I could as well feel the atmosphere of your English language class and smile at the ear-twisting episode. However, the following lines are a tribute to the teacher: Yet, being most venerated teacher / I salute you Sir, even many decades hence / With utmost, deep hearted respect!