Johnson, Priscilla

English

SWOSU Digital Commons (Southwestern Oklahoma State University)

Volume 12Issue 2 Winter Article 1512-15-1992In Memory Of Dr. Leroy ThomasPriscilla JohnsonFollow this and additional works at: https://dc.swosu.edu/westviewThis Poetry is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals atSWOSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Westviewby an authorized administrator of SWOSU Digital Commons. For moreinformation, please contact phillip.fitzsimmons@swosu.edu.Recommended CitationJohnson, Priscilla (1992) "In Memory Of Dr. Leroy Thomas," Westview: Vol. 12 : Iss. 2 , Article 15.Available at: https://dc.swosu.edu/westview/vol12/iss2/15In Memory O f Dr. Leroy Thomasby his student Priscilla JohnsonI wish I could hear you say, like your favorite author Mark Twain “The news o f my death has been gready exaggerated," then I would know you weren’t gone.Memories of you wash over me, filling my eyes with selfish unshed tears.The things I remember, such vivid memories.1 must write.I must write.The first day in class.“I see you’re from Erick?”“Yes.”“Well, have you read Margie Snowden North’s book,T o Chase a Dream?"My smart answer.“Yes, and by the way have you?”You laughed.A friendship formed right away.Mutual respect.You said,“Go home and write a poem.”I eventually wrote more than fifty.You said, “Submit.”I did.You published.Your laughter created my laughter.It rang out of me; bubbled over both of us.Your courage shaming me, when I thought 1 couldn’t do.You let me serve you, because you knew it was not out o f pity.When I embarrassed myself by fixing your collar,You told me a funny story of a friend who cut your meat.Naively,I thought we’d share years of writing.Student to teacher,Editor to author,Author to author,Friend to friend.Your time here was too short for me, maybe too long for you.My tears fall.Because you believed in me,I must write.I must write.4 W ESTVIEW , W INTER 1992

In Memory Of Dr. Leroy Thomas

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In Memory Of Dr. Leroy Thomas

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