Here I Sit With a Pasted Smile

Do you want me to play music?
This is a teacher who obviously does not write much.
I was giving them silent thinking time
for the thinking-writing activity I had assigned to them.
I am horrified, but it is her room.
I am the interloper, and she has already asked.
They have said ‘yes’.
Funeral dirge comes out of her computer.
I want to gloat; the kids look up, horrified.
I am here fifteen more minutes
in the bowels of hell with this woman.
Who is insistent on everything a particular way.
Perhaps that is why she has spent a year putting up no bulletin boards?
Only borders. I would rather be wearing an orange jumpsuit,
running from the cops.
But here I sit with my pasted smile
For twelve minutes.
Glad I am not one of these fourth graders stuck here all day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wolf Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 4:11 PM
Maybe she could teach worms how not to wiggle. Sounds like a challenge only this special teacher could meet! lol. ~ Different strokes for different folks, gw
Krutsinger Avatar
April 13, 2021 at 12:14 AM
I have discovered more and more teachers CANNOT ABIDE SILENCE; which concerns me. How does a student THINK?
Hankins Avatar
April 11, 2021 at 8:43 AM
Oh my, what can you do? This woman should not be teaching!
Krutsinger Avatar
April 11, 2021 at 3:54 PM
I totally agree and sadly this is her first year.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace