The Teaching Task

Lockdown over, I had to head to school my pupils waiting to learn the golden rule I got ready and put on that mask following the health protocols is a must How would I each word articulate? and those whole lessons explicate! *** Principals in their towers have their say and teachers, Skills For Life, have to convey So eager to see my pupils and join the classroom no time to spend with colleagues in the teachers room Just virtual wishes.. Love and hugs and the joy of all the social media tags. *** I looked weird, in need of a breathing space with that mask and my glasses, nothing remained of my face! High time I proceeded with the warming up avoiding to preach or give a negative heads up A perplexed look in my pupils eyes I could see a strong desire to build in them a motivational esprit *** Nothing has changed, me doing all the talking in day dreams they seemed to be sinking My voice in the void echoed, "am I speaking Chinese? I'm afraid, these are but the English language abcs!" 'If you can't turn the page, burn the book'. "Would you please paraphrase? not all at once, please, one at a time as always!" *** "Sorry teacher, we didn't bring our textbooks" I was maddened but they got nothing from my looks "Teacher, isn't burning books wrong and bad?!" I felt deeply disappointed but could nothing add! I see you've been learning English off by heart! and with revision you've torn your minds apart! *** We are wise and curious, teacher! glued to our smart phones learning from Peaky Blinders.. Breaking Bad.. and Game of Thrones! I thanked God I was wearing that shielding mask I could resist my rage and carry off the teaching task. To my pen, a deep gratitude for such a relief such a consuming task could make funny and brief.