Other Peoples' Names

Sometimes I'm in awe
of how other's lives are filled with names.
They remember
their kindegarden teachers name
and not only for the class, but years later
they fondly prattle off the role call
and talk of them as intimates.
I have few names.
Not for a lack of people
We all have our dole
But for a lack of memory
and attentiveness.
Many high-school teachers I could name
but few before that.
I remember a Mrs. Hawthorne,
but didn't we all know
a Mrs. Hawthorne at one time
or another.
Someone who lovingly corrected
our errors
and fed our need for books.
She told us we were important
and had something to contribute.