Valancy's Gift

from Here, There, and NEWhere by Gary Ehrlich

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Inspired by “Ararat” from Zenna Henderson’s People stories. All the focus on Valancy Carmody's telepathic and telekinetic powers ignores her best and greatest power - the power to teach.

lyrics

I went down to the canyon where teachers never last
They hardly ever stay more than a year
Both tired and uncertain, outsider in their town
I tried to hide my sorrow and my fear
They greeted me with kindness, with meals and a bed
I think of all the years I’ve spent adrift
And I hope that I can win them with sweetness and with love
For teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift
Teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift

The wooden desks and footstools I dusted off with care
The children brought some autumn leaves for me
With lessons and with laughter, with tricks, and smiles, and play
We made just what a model class should be
I’ve longed to find a family; a school where I’m at ease
Where pictures aren’t the only things I lift.
So I’ll do just what I need to, to keep this classroom mine
For teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift
Teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift

I recognized the fine fruit that should not have been there
But could not grasp the truth before my eyes
With fire on the hillside, I brought the rains of life
Though in my soul my hopes just burned and died
The Old Ones asked their questions, and looked into my mind.
The walls I built within began to shift
Now I’ll stay here with my People and give them all I can
For teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift
Teaching is a Persuasion and a Gift

credits

from Here, There, and NEWhere, released August 28, 2020
Words and music by Gary Ehrlich (c) April 2010
Recorded July 4, 2020 on Zoom H2n

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Gary Ehrlich Rockville, Maryland

Gary stalks the stages and filk rooms of Northeast cons, singing of space flight, lunar colonies and hyperspace hotels.

Gary was inducted into the Filk Hall of Fame in 2012.

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