This is the poem l worked on after Carmen and I interviewed Benny B. Something about the way he told his story stood out to me. He was born in 1939 in Ukraine during the World War II. At the age of two, his family started to move to different places because of the economy. When he and his family immigrated to Canada, he felt out of place because he didn’t speak English and dressed differently than most people. I was able to connect to with his story when he started talking about how he did not fit in, and how he wished he had tried other adventures in life. I was mostly inspired when he talked about his 20 years of teaching because he spoke passionately about how education was important. In a way, he was also giving us life advice.

 

Born in Ukraine in 1939,

During World War II,

Your adventure began at the age of two.

You moved from

City to city,

Country to country.

You ran!

You escaped!

Your escape was Canada.

It was a new life,

A new beginning

And a fresh start.

Life was hard at first,

You felt out of place

You slid into the spaces,

But there were gaps along the edges;

Wanting to belong somewhere

Yet not knowing where to go.

The candle burnt on both ends.

It was a calling of life.

A calling to become a teacher.

You became a teacher who was willing to inspire students

Through life experiences.

For the 20 years you taught and coached certain sports;

You inspired students to always value education,

And to try other adventures in life.

Life conquered the grave;

Your meaning of life was finally known.

The years you spent are still enjoyable,

Still a roller coaster

And still memorable.

 

Thank you, Mr. Benny B for inspiring us with your amazing story.

Sincerely,

Nicole