The new school year typically focuses a bunch on the students. But this Typewriter Rodeo poem takes the perspective of an educator.
push pins and welcome themes
colorful letters, the days of the week
nothing I learned in university
could prepare me for the first day
butterfly tummies lunchbox deficits
typing shoelaces their worried little faces
can I impress them, will they listen?
it is 7:15 on Monday morning
the cafeteria is humming with
hungry children Ms. Gracies smiles
her red lipstick and turquoise jewelry
take their cards and swipe them one after
another…canned peaches and french toast
slices…little frozen juices
Pledge of Allegiance
tiny hands on hearts
we sit criss cross applesauce sharing time
we practice patience while most are fidgeting
side hugs at the end off week one
tiny smiles wave goodbye
circle drive parents
offer coffee cup gifts
it is Friday at 3:45
the school is fading to quiet
all the teacher are here
and will be for hours longer
preparing for week two
already dreaming of next summer
Typewriter Rodeo airs each Friday on Texas Standard. Send us your ideas for a poem on Facebook or Twitter, or send us an email.
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