She sits there, out in front of us,

a fearful look scrawled across her face.

Her voice , that at first,

seems as though it’ll crack;

nervous, uncertain, and afraid.

But, the spirit inside her fails to dwindle;

a flamed enthusiast, she’ll never burn out.

A weak smile, tweaks at her lips

as her eyes slide to meet  mine.

Courage building within each stride

reaching the black board she begins.

She’s come so far since

Accomplishment now shining across her face,

 all worries simply faded away;

as we pack our bags, done for the day,

a broad smile spread across her lips

for proud  Ms. Tia has survived

ninth grade English, that is.