" You Taught Me Love Before I knew its Name"

I never learned love from fairy tales,

Or roses pressed in paper mails.

No poetry, no movie scene

Could show me what true love could mean.

But then you walked into my world—

Not with fanfare, flags, or pearls.

Just chalk in hand and steady grace,

A calm command, a thoughtful face.

You didn’t teach me love with words,

You didn’t quote the songs or birds.

You showed it in the way you stayed

When others would’ve walked away.

In every patient, silent pause,

You fought for me without applause.

In every glance that said, “I see,”

You lit a quiet flame in me.

You loved like teachers only do—

In simple acts, in seeing through.

Through every scribbled, failed test,

You still believed I’d do my best.

I didn’t know it then, but now—

When life is harsh and won't allow—

I look back at your gentle art,

And learn to lead with open heart.

So if I ever love one day,

It’s in the quiet, steady way—

The kind that lifts, the kind that stays...

Just like you taught me in those days.