John Freal
I am a retired National Board Teacher, teaching high school mathematics from 1983-2013. In 2003, I received a Presidential Award for my teaching. Prior to my teaching career, I worked as a scientist at the University of Washington from 1972 to 1981, publishing 13 papers on neurological disease. My other published works of reflections, connexions, and poetry include Poor Poet’s Psalter, The Conversation Continues, Prophet Margins, Come to the Water, and 12 Offerings. I am working on other writing and geometric sculptures. I still play tennis regularly. My wife and I have 3 grown children, 3 sons-in-law, 5 grandchildren, and one grandson-in-law. I have been working, weeping, laughing, learning, and playing since 1946.
Artist's Statement
I am a questioner,
awakened in the prophet margins
seeking wisdom and what can work
for all people.
If I find a piece of the sacred tablet,
I will give it to as many
as may see and hear
until the unveiling becomes blessing.
I belong as we all belong
in the human community.
I love my place by the Salish Sea
and the communities
that live and flow
here with me.
Perhaps I am a prophet,
but I do not speak for God.
I am not anyone's moral judge.
I am Catholic and Protestant
and want to be Jewish too.
I am a small part Native American
but mostly Irish, Welsh, Scotish, and Polish,
and I am proud of my ancestors.