For Shirleen

Mrs Dawes...
The name brings back many happy memories,
Of laughs we had in lessons
Your firm but friendly voice was always heard down the corridors,
I sometimes think I hear it now,
"Get to where you're going!Quick!"
You helped me come out of my shell
To speak up for my opinions
To argue my case,
I couldn't have asked anyone better for that!
When I used to hang around saying long goodbyes to Carl outside school
in the freezing cold,
I'd see you're Astra coming along with Tigger in the window,
"Go home" you'd call out with a little giggle.
Your strong personality will always be within me,
I'll always be your little poppet, miss.