Dear Sensei B - Lyric Poem

Dear Sensei,

I wish I hadn’t left; I wish I had of stayed.

I was afraid, so I ran away.

I wish I had of been braver.

But my fears took over.

I left behind the things I could’ve learned.

And the opportunity to have earned my first belt.

The opportunity to have changed my life.

To become better for not only myself, but for my family.

Your patience was all I needed to reassure me that I’d be okay.

And I regret not taking the chance to be a part of your Dojo.

The Samurai Phoenix Warriors. Our family.

You taught us that we don’t need to be fighters or to fight anyone to be Warriors.

But to bring peace into our lives, to care and love one another.

With no judgment or bullying.

And that’s the real Aikido way.

And the peace we made in the Dojo helped us become better people, spiritually, physically, and mentally.

Not only inside the Dojo, but outside it too.

Dear Sensei, you are known for your bravery, kindness, courage, patience and inspiring spirit.

You are also patient and can be quite tough too.

Despite the fear you can evoke, I know that you have a good heart.

You teach your students patience, kindness, acceptance and love.

You show us that we don't have to always accept bad things,

But instead, try to turn them into something positive.

You told me in my very first class that Aikido would change my life.

And you would be patient with me, if I was going to be patient with you.

To be honest, I was afraid of the Ukemi’s, the back and front flips.

But I was also afraid of you.

But Deb told me you can be scary.

But when we get to know you, you really aren’t that bad.

And that I would adore you in no time flat and she was right.

Not all heroes wear capes.

You wear your heart on your sleeve.

I can see care in your eyes, and love within your heart.

Your smile is as beautiful as the sun.

I am truly inspired by your story and your commitment to being brave and kind, even through all the heartache.

You have the heart of a warrior, and I am in awe of your strength and courage.

You’re passionate, committed and into your own thing.

You Sensei have the heart of a warrior.

Dear Sensei, you have a soul of a survivor.

Your kind heart shines beyond the stars.

Your talents are great, meant to be seen.

You’re unique, gifted and one-of-a-kind.

Your patient, caring and free.

Dear Sensei, we are the Samurai Phoenix Warriors because of you.

Because you took the time to care, to teach, and were patient with us.

You believe in us, and we believe in you.

No matter how long we attended your Dojo. Even if it was just for one class, we will always be your Seito’s.

You’re the light in the Dojo.

And for that, we thank you.

Volim te, Sensei. Your Seito, Lynn.

Poem wrote March 22, 2023. By: Lynn Watkins.

Video link of poem down below. Let me know if you want me to post this to YouTube. May be better because I don’t think many people have a Tik Tok account. And I don't believe Sensei B will see this either.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMj2oa5XU/