Thirty-Seven Springs
He was still, words half uttered
His lips quivered, the lump over which he stuttered
She looks away, tearing and heaving
Her fists clenched as her body trembles
Thirty seven springs, many a season
Stealthily moved through her wrinkling glow
Time has come, to take her away
Another season, another place
Children of fortune, primed by her
Sigh and weep as she steps forward
Thirty seven springs, and now their children
Gather around, not knowing her younger
He straightened and steadied as he bid her farewell
Throngs of people clapping prayed
There was once a maiden who dreamed to teach
a stream of chirping chicks each
Now generations of townspeople praise her being
As she ambles towards her tranquil bloom ***
A tribute to Ms. Cifelli who retired from Wyncote Elementary School in June 2019 after serving generations for 37 years. Her career as a teacher was remarkable and characterized by love and care for each student. In attendance for her farewell were her students from eons ago whose children, now, were Ms. Cifelli's graduating class of 2019.