they ask me why I teach

I don't know the history of this old building located near Roan Mountain, TN. The sign over the door reads "Bowling Chapel Methodist Church," but a local told me the building once served as a schoolhouse.  And it's for that reason, I offer the following poem.  To hear Coach John Wooden recite it, click here and fast forward 5 minutes into his talk.

They Ask me why I Teach, Glennice L. Harmon

They ask me why I teach
And I reply, "Where could I find more splendid company?"
There sits a statesman,
Strong, unbiased, wise,
Another later Webster
Silver-tongued.
And there a doctor
Whose quick, steady hand
Can mend a bone or stem the lifeblood's flow.
A builder sits beside him --
Upward rise the arches of that church he builds wherein
That minister will speak the word of God,
And lead a stumbling soul to touch the Christ.

And all about
A lesser gathering
Of farmers, merchants, teachers,
Laborers, men
Who work and vote and build
And plan and pray into a great tomorrow.
And, I say,
"I may not see the church,
Or hear the word,
Or eat the food their hands will grow.
And yet -- I may.
And later I may say,
"I knew the lad, and he was strong,
Or weak, or kind, or proud
Or bold or gay.
I knew him once,
But then he was a boy.

They ask my why I teach and I reply,
"Where could I find more splendid company?"