At school I was often laid low by quite severe asthma attacks, for which I would take myself outside the class and sit on a bench to use an inhaler. On one occasion, my New Zealand-born English teacher, Basil Dowling, came past and, noting my distress, asked if it would help if he were to read to me. All rather embarrassing but my heaving to breathe must have looked like an affirming nod. He sat down and began to read, The Death of the Hired Man by his favourite poet, Robert Frost. At first, embarrassment augmented my discomfort and I remember, to my shame, feeling more self-conscious than grateful when one or two puzzled teachers passed by. However, his calming voice and the story itself soon had my full attention, and my breathing eased. At the moving conclusion to the poem, he got up and said, ‘Are you going to be OK?’ I nodded and he left.
I always regretted my embarrassment at his kindness. However, years later, I went to see him in Rye, where he had retired with his wife, Margaret. When I mentioned how much, in retrospect, I had appreciated what he’d done, he struggled to remember, but then smiled and said, “It’s a wonderful poem isn’t it?”
Great memory for you and I enjoyed the poem
Thanks, Steve I got to thank him just in time as I never saw him again before he died.
Beautiful story! I’m glad you found him later and went to tell him how much it meant to you. Teachers have so much of an influence over the lives of so many people, and yet in many cases I’m sure they never realise how much their actions mean. So good for you for telling him.
And yes, it is a beautiful poem. Very poigant, and I thought it read more like a short story. An excellent choice by Mr Dowling.
Thanks Andrew,
He left me with an abiding love of Robert Frost, the realisation of how much good fine teachers can do, and how their example can endure a lifetime.
I was very touched by your kind comments about Basil. My sister Virginia and I STILL receive letters from ex-pupils who have never forgotten him. We feel very lucky to have had him as our father. Thank you.