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At the Golden Dawn of Understanding Potd

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It was late in gorgeous springtime, and I was teaching my class, A lesson in African history, and the events of time's hourglass. My fourth graders were very attentive, as I recounted the glory, Of tales such as Mansa Musa's, maybe the richest man in history! Sultan of Mali was Mansa Musa, during the far off Middle Ages, The world's largest gold producers maybe, say the history sages. When Mali consisted of 400 cities, he was a patron of the arts. Mansa Musa, in advancing science and literature, also took part. A patron of architecture too, Mali flourished under his reign, He made a legendary pilgrimage to Mecca, and gained more fame! The children sat dreamy eyed, their captivation being steadfast, Like the statues of ancient heroes, which look toward the past! Then I began the tale of Ezana Axum, an ancient Ethiopian ruler, Who in the fourth century AD, as a child, succeeded his father. And he conquered the Kingdom of Kush, in approximately 350AD, And was first monarch of the Kingdom, to embrace Christianity! His childhood tutor, a Christian and missionary named Frumentius, Later became head of the Ethiopian Church, for God is gracious. 'May this please the people,' was the motto of Aksumite coinage, Showing concern for the citizenry, by appearances a royal sage. From a design with a pagan motif, the coins later bore a cross, For an absence of of God in kingdoms, creates the greatest loss! We remember him as being a great builder, of obelisks and stelae, Ethiopia's Orthodox Tewahedo Church, regards him as a saint today. Since my class had grown awful quiet, I looked up from the book, Where my class once was, now sat two pupils, with heedful looks! We were in a very different room, smaller with just two windows, I was teaching two African children, in fine traditional clothes. The volume that I was holding, was now an entirely different one, It was a book of children's stories, and apparently I wasn't done. The children asked me eagerly, what happened to the rabbit next, And since I understood their language, I began to read the text. Soon I was enjoying myself, and we all discovered many things, And I got a pristine look at ancient Africa, upon magical wings! Later the classroom door opened, and in came a most noble figure, Who was dressed very resplendently, and I welcomed our visitor. Ezana Axum gives you thanks, he said as I began to understand, As king of this great nation, its education makes my joy expand! "I've come to see how you're progressing, my children," he said. And he smilingly asked me, what it was that we had this day read. I told him we had studied Egyptian history, and used the abacus, Read fairytales, learned geography, and drawn pictures to discuss. The school day had almost ended, except for a walk on the grounds, For the pupils' daily exercise, and to enjoy nature sights and sounds. I'd found a teacher's schedule on a table with supplies and books, And I must have looked exactly like her, not to have gotten odd looks! The king himself chose to join us, as he was so enjoying the day, And we had a lively conversation, as his children began to play. We talked of history, and of its great significance to the present, And God's blessings, Jesus Christ's teachings, and what they meant! Then discussed the value, of applying them to our every day lives, Like a lifetime spent in planning, for the glad moment He arrives! "Come children," said the father, "it is time for us to go home," And taking my hand he thanked me, for the lively chat we'd known. I bowed my head in respect, in the afternoon lengthening shadows, And said I'd enjoyed this day as no other, like when the sunset glows. I stood in the parklike setting, then reluctantly turned to leave, But in front of me sat my 4th grade class, like butterflies on breeze! My long school day ended, and I fondly wished the class good evening, Like beautiful blooming summer, bids a fond farewell to budding spring!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 1/13/2021 2:26:00 PM
Evelyn, This poem is just as enjoyable read backwards from end to the beginning. A rare strange occurrence(?)
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 1/13/2021 5:05:00 PM
My goodness! That is very interesting. I don't know what to make of it, but I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you. :)
Date: 10/14/2020 6:28:00 AM
This is stunningly told and a captivating story Evelyn. Thank you for sharing. hugs {} Linda
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 10/14/2020 3:32:00 PM
You are quite welcome, Linda. I thank you for taking the time to share your kind remarks, which are so encouraging. hugs :)
Date: 9/26/2020 9:55:00 AM
Hi Evelyn, this is the 2nd time I am reading your POTD which is truly phenomenal - I have a very bad habit my friend, I write a comment, thinking of the next one I must write and forget to post the long comment I made on your poem which I enjoyed so very much. Your History class must love you to bits for you make your lesson a real treasure for your pupils - your poetry is breathtaking Evelyn. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/26/2020 10:24:00 AM
Hello Jennifer, it's so nice to hear from you. I am glad you finally posted-it was worth the wait! I am thrilled that you enjoyed this poem. Thank you for your kind remarks. Hugs and blessings. :)
Date: 9/21/2020 11:05:00 AM
More amazing writing from your golden pen, my friend. Big congrats for your POTD on this enlightening work, Evelyn. As always, I love your imagery and the enhanced artistry of the photo and music. Blessings ~ John
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/21/2020 11:58:00 AM
I appreciate your words more than I can say, John. So glad you liked my poem. Blessings.
Date: 9/21/2020 9:00:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. WOW!!! What a story/poem and picture. Your pen was writing overtime. Enjoy your win...................
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/21/2020 10:31:00 AM
You are very kind. Thank you.
Date: 9/21/2020 5:40:00 AM
scary stuff. we really are a failed species. lovely to read you today, in potd even better. congratulations! xomo
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/21/2020 10:30:00 AM
Thank you very much for your thoughts.
Date: 9/20/2020 8:22:00 PM
What a wonderful history lesson in couplets, Evelyn! I loved your history lesson. It is a well deserved POTD honor! So happy for you Kudos and congratulations!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 11:04:00 PM
I appreciate your words more than I can say, Sam. I am glad you enjoyed my story. :)
Date: 9/20/2020 6:36:00 PM
About time you got a POTD, Evelyn!! Here's to you for a wonderful poem, very deserving of the honor. Blessings, Gershon
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 11:01:00 PM
Cheers, Gershon. Thank you so much.
Date: 9/20/2020 6:06:00 PM
History is very interesting. While reading this, I felt like I was there in your presence, your voice carrying me into the next moment. Congratulations Evelyn, on Poem of the Day. :) Brandy
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 10:59:00 PM
I am so glad I was able to take you there. Thank you for your kind words. :)
Date: 9/20/2020 11:09:00 AM
Congratulations on POTD.... Fantastic verse.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 10:56:00 PM
I extend to you my heartfelt thanks. :)
Date: 9/20/2020 11:00:00 AM
You really are the queen of couplets and so happy to see you are honoured with POTD... Congrats.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 10:55:00 PM
How kind of you to say. Thank you so much.
Date: 9/20/2020 10:54:00 AM
- Evelyn, this was truly magnificent ... congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 10:54:00 PM
You have my deepest appreciation for your kind comment.
Date: 9/20/2020 9:43:00 AM
Wonderful. Congratulations for POTD :)
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 10:50:00 PM
Thank you for the compliment and congratulations.
Date: 9/20/2020 9:04:00 AM
Oh, how delightful! Well written and educational, too. Thank you and Congratulations!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:08:00 AM
Many, many thanks for your warm words.
Date: 9/20/2020 8:53:00 AM
Congratulations on POTD, Evelyn. truly a wonderful story.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 8:59:00 AM
Thank you so very much.
Date: 9/20/2020 7:30:00 AM
Evelyn, what a beautiful story and congratulations on your POTD _Constance
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:00:00 AM
My heartfelt thanks, Constance.
Date: 9/20/2020 7:10:00 AM
what wonderful description, you are a natural story teller, many congrats on POTD:-) hugs jan xx
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:01:00 AM
Thank you for the wonderful compliment and congratulations, Jan. :) hugs xx
Date: 9/20/2020 6:27:00 AM
You tell such a wonderful story Evelyn, so deserving of POTD honors, congratulations...
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:02:00 AM
My deepest thanks, Charlie.
Date: 9/20/2020 4:56:00 AM
Well done Evelyn! Congratulations on poem of the day!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:02:00 AM
Thank you very much, Mark.
Date: 9/20/2020 4:51:00 AM
Congratulations on POTD, very informative with a nice story!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:04:00 AM
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Tania. Thank you so much.
Date: 9/20/2020 2:36:00 AM
My heartfelt congratulations, Evelyn. You certainly deserve the honor of POTD. ~~
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:06:00 AM
That's so nice of you to say, Victor. Thank you very much.
Date: 9/20/2020 1:16:00 AM
A very informative read Evelyn, I've learnt something new today. Congrats on POTD, enjoy the honour. Tom
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/20/2020 9:08:00 AM
My heartfelt thanks for your kind words, Tom.
Date: 9/19/2020 9:48:00 AM
You are a fine teacher -- I learned a lot! And a splendid writer! This is a Fav for certain.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/19/2020 10:48:00 AM
Thank you for the thrilling words. They mean so much. :)
Date: 9/18/2020 7:41:00 PM
Clever narration and great description. You have an eye for details. ~~
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/18/2020 7:54:00 PM
History is so interesting and fascinating. Thank you so much for your inspiring words. :)
Date: 9/18/2020 7:00:00 PM
Hello Evelyn, beautiful poem.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 9/18/2020 7:49:00 PM
Hello Belden, thank you very much. :)