She battles slang and bad grammar.

Innoculating students

against rap songs,

the teacher fans the faint spark

into bright flames.

"I'm expecting greatness from you,"

she whispers.

Fortified with prayer

Sifting for gold among the pebbles,

She never gives up.

She believes all things,

and her calling is as holy

as that of any missionary.

She will not quit

until every child

under her coaxing voice 

can read and write,

think and discern,

choose the wheat

and reject chaff.

She sends pupils out

to reap the world.