Good And Bad Poem by Jim Yerman

When I was teaching my autistic students
with, what I thought, was enthusiasm and verve
the parents of the students I taught would oftentimes observe.

And though it's been many years since I retired
since I left that life behind
two parents in particular…stick out in my mind.

One parent thought I could do no wrong…she thought I was a saint
The other thought everything I did was wrong…a saint, she thought…he ain't!

I'ill admit when it came to the first parent my ego needed to practice little restraint…
I mean I was doing the best I could but please…really….me…a saint!

And when it came to the second parent my ego needed a little boost..
Again…I was doing the best I could but was I as bad as she deduced?

When my clearer head prevailed after their praise and criticism were dispersed…
I know I wasn't the best teacher in the world…nor was I the worst.

I did do some things well and so I felt some of the first parent's praise I earned
while the second parent reminded me…I still had a lot to learn.

These parents taught me how praise could put me on cloud nine
while criticism could cut me like a knife…
in my jobs
my friendships
my marriage
in my parenting…my life

It was probably one of the greatest lessons that I have ever had…
Teaching me to improve on any good I do while learning from the bad.

Even now, when that first parent's doubt enter my mind…
when I find my confidence is faint…
I smile remembering there's at least one person out there
who thinks I am a saint.