(With apologies to Ms. Corbet my Advanced Comp And Major/Minor British Writers HS Teacher) I read it today, and then I cried, A Meade Alum, a great teacher; Some say mentor and preacher, Would not awaken today, he had died.... I prayed today, a prayer with no end: About memories of the past, One's I want to forever last, With great thoughts of my now lost friend.... Cherished by his students, one and all; It has been thirty years Since we all had beers During the movies at Jumper's mall.... The great smile, that wily grin, Whether teaching history- Or reading a mystery; Always hanging out with Mr. Prinn.... A family man, with a cute dimple; Heavy set, fairly tall Who brought joy to us all - Made complex things seem so simple.... He loved life, and the human race: Assimilation he truly believed With amalgamation could be achieved But alas he has moved on to a better place. To a loving, kind, devoted, giving, caring, sharing, and great man - Weave your magic on those above, teach them History and Social Studies, about love and family, about cherishing everything and everyone around you. You are missed but your legacy will live on in all of us you have touched. Although taken too young, you, my friend, have done the dash between those years, very well!! My heartfelt condolences to your family. Mr. Smith was never my teacher. He was the sponsor of my Meade War-Games Club, a wise mentor, and friend who shared his time at school and often at Jumper Mall Theater. He never asked for anything - just gave. Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold. Ralph Waldo Emerson