By ECHONEWS
Yesterday was celebrated worldwide as Teachers’ Day. It started with news of my uncle’s death and I could not share anything on some teachers who have shaped my life.
Mr. Kadiri Adeniyi Kasimawo Koleoso (1938-2020) was a banker and a teacher. On his return from the UK in the 70s, he worked in the same commercial bank till he retired. From then till yesterday, he was a constant presence in my life and that of my siblings. Almost on a weekly basis, he called at our residence to see our father.
He and father were alike in many ways: physique, mannerism, and character. They were both family men, whose aura easily attracted relatives. Since papa’s departure 25 years ago, Uncle Kashi had stood in the gap as the father who watched out for everyone’s welfare. He attended the annual New Year’s Day celebrations which we organized. Quiet, wise, and accessible, he hardly ever raised his voice. He was the repository of family history who filled in the steps in the lineage tree. He was the confidant who would hear you out and give you honest words. He was the one who fetched me my first passport. He was also the first who took me serious when I expressed interest in pursuing a career in writing. He took me to the late Chief Olu Aboderin, chairman of the Punch. Although I eventually did not work at the Punch, Uncle was a lifelong patron of the paper. He was a constant presence at the annual DAME presentation where he often presented the sports reporting prize endowed in papa’s memory.
He was the teacher outside the classroom who taught one life’s lessons. It seems fitting that as he departed the world on Teachers’ Day this 2009 work of mine, THE TEACHER, should be shared in his memory. May his generous soul rest well!
THE TEACHER
1. When all seems muddy
And figures make no meaning
When words unleash confusion
And ideas trouble the mind
The teacher is always there to help.
2. When strange tunes echo
And strange melodies play
When my pace is too slow
To match the trot of the rest
The teacher is always there to help.
3. When bullies take over the pitch
And minions watch in awe
When braggarts take over the class
And the diffident are hushed up
The teacher is always there to help.
4. When overconfidence seizes the mind
And contempt governs communal effort
When grades begin to slide
And confidence begins to wane
The true teacher is always there to help.
5. The teacher is not only in the classroom, many teach without the chalk at home and in the community
In the church and the mosque
The shrine and the synagogue.
6. The teacher is always there, on the road and the sea, in the air, beneath the clouds on the highest hills and lowest values
To help those who need help.
7. The teacher is at work
When excesses are moderated
When the voiceless regain their voices
And the weak are protected from the strong.
The teacher lives in all guardians of our civilisation.
