For Dr. Paul Barks, Chemist Extraordinare

While preparing for chiropractic school, I had to take a lot of chemistry. And I was not good at preparing for tests; I had to take every chem course twice — one, I had to take three times. I did well in the lab, but simple memorization was an ongoing challenge. One teacher really reached me, however, and this fell out of my head and my heart. It is really a reflection of gratitude.

For Dr. Paul Barks, Chemist Extraordinare

We’re students now of Dr. Paul
He stands alone, decanting all
The knowledge we so clearly need
We seek the grade. He seeks the seed
He hopes will germinate and grow
A class of chemists, row on row.
(One set of tests alone must be
Enough to kill THAT fantasy.)
He perseveres despite the reign
Of Deep Confusion in my brain.
I try to titer; figure; log;
Until my brain goes blank and clogs.
His glasses steam, his hair goes grayer
He mutely clasps his hands in prayer
He locks the door and bangs the wall
Attempting a release of all
Frustrated dreams and broken hopes
Vicariously lived. He mopes
But bounces back, renewed with vigor
Abetted by brown mug and jigger.
(Doubtless he persists to see
His crop in verdant Chemistry.)
His faith in humans quick restored,
Small trifles are now all ignored.
He asks respect; ’tis gladly given
Enthused, his students all are driven
To seek the goal of joy that may
Lie at the endpoint of a day.
Well-filled with all the chemist’s facts
So keep on going! Don’t relax!
And do not test his latent ire
As you may then be singed with fire
For those will know who get low marks
His bite is worser than his Barks.