We said goodbye to my sister yesterday, a teacher for 34 years at St Paul's C of E Primary School in Manchester. She was a brilliant actor as well as being a great teacher, bringing every story to life. Her classroom, outside the main Victorian school building was simply known as "The Prefab". She also loved her garden and Spring was her favourite time of year. Writing this poem has helped bring some joy amongst the tears. The last two lines are taken from Mike Garry's wonderful poem "Signify" - please watch him perform this online if you haven't already. 

https://godisamanc.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/signify-a-poem-for-miss-mccoombe-my-old-primary-school-teacher/

 

 

Wet coats hung on little hooks, 

Alongside Ladybird reading books

Mrs Bottomley’s booming voice

The Assembly bell, let all rejoice

Because we’re safe and warm within these walls

And the sun shines and its light falls

On naughty Jason’s messed up hair

Who scampered behind the church, a dare,

Because the sun never, ever reaches there

But in the prefab it’s always morning, always Spring

With luminous daffodils, offering

A secret garden to every wandering mind

No child is ever left behind

For here is where the dreams are spun

With wisdom, smiles, laughter, fun

As Mrs Stephens waves her wand

And lifts us to a place beyond

Sodium lights on sodden streets

And sagging clouds and the thrumming beat

Of rain on rain on reflected glass

Where grey, reflected people pass

I held her hand; we closed our eyes

And imagined worlds beyond the sky.