Sir

We wrote our names
in the condensation

then watched them fade
to our consternation.

Smudge marks left
upon the glass

as the teacher
walked into class.

An old man
with kid eyes

who broke into a smile
as he listened to our lies.

“The dog ate
my homework, sir”

Looking back now
those years are but a blur.

Never did 
I hear him shout,

though he had 
many a reason to give out.

So, when I heard
of his passing today

I could not help feel sad
remembering my school days.