Teacher Poem by Sibghatullah Khan

I walked in the dark, mucking
like a bat trapped indoor;
you gave me eyes to find my way out,
and pluck the sun from azure sky.

I fretted to listen,
but all intent voices collapsed
against the brass walls of my ears;
you gave those words a way in.

Like an alien in a foreign land,
I had no palate for life;
you brought forth a rich cuisine
and let my taste-buds grow.

I was afraid to touch
lest I should break the brittle,
or spoil the beautiful;
you gave heart and eyes to my hands.

I didn't know
how to smell right from wrong;
you laced my lobes with fine frills
and gave me an asking nose.

Life is to me now
a delectable menu on a platter;
I savour its delicacies,
and tell those standing down
that it's you, only you,
my teacher!