Raised in her
Total humbleness
From the deep south
A place where
Heart like hers
Could incubate
Unique compassion
For others
Meaning to give without
Asking
Her time and knowledge
Used to build minds
As well as character
Inside her
Inner city students
She was giving out
Life lines
Constructing inner visions
For children
Who was blinded
By drugs and violence
Who lacked self esteem
From where they lived
It was so hard for them
To dream of real success
She often criticized
Previously
They way they were taught
Wisdom and understanding
She brought in the classrooms
Each day
Took her own retirement
Money
To erect a more effective school
In the impoverish section
Of Chicago
She lived in
The shy town
But her great contributions
And methods of teaching
Became a bold statement
She was even nominated
By two presidents
For the position
Of secretary of education
And won numerous
Awards for her dedication
To teaching and her
Humanitarians efforts
She was even feature
In Prince’s music video
The most beautiful girl
I guess he really knew
She was a real queen
Her evidence she leaves
Us today
In every student
That survived
And also inspiring
Others in business and education
She showed us that you can dream
For others when its hard
For them to do it themselves
By Deon Souldier Ballard