To A Teacher
Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]
A long pain ending without a song to prove it.
Who could stand beside you so close to Eden,
When you glinted in every eye
The held-high razor, shivering every ram and son?
And now the silent loony bin,
Where the shadows live in the rafters
Like day-weary bats,
Until the turning mind, a radar signal,
Lures them to exaggerate
Mountain-size on the white stone wall
Your tiny limp.
How can I leave you in such a house?
Are there no more saints and wizards
To praise their ways with pupils,
No more evil to stun with the slap
Of a wet red tongue?
Did you confuse the Messiah in a mirror
And rest because he had finally come?
Let me cry Help beside you, Teacher.
I have entered under this dark roof
As fearlessly as an honoured son
Enters his father's house.
To A Teacher
Leonard Cohen's "To A Teacher" stands as a poignant meditation on the profound impact educators have on student lives. Recorded for his comprehensive studio discography, the track exemplifies Cohen's signature blend of spiritual depth and lyrical clarity. The song reflects his lifelong fascination with themes of redemption, grace, and the transformative power of mentorship. With its distinctive vocal delivery and atmospheric arrangement, the recording captures a moment of quiet reverence, inviting listeners to consider the often-overlooked roles of those who guide us through life's challenges. As part of his broader catalog, this work reinforces Cohen's status as a chronicler of human experience, weaving together personal reflection with universal truths about learning and guidance.