Before the prompt is out, sigh,

The pencils are already moving, why?

Their ears are closed, goodbye,

as minds feverishly try to rhyme.

Heads are bent over papers, be kind,

maybe they heard me (in my mind).

 

I will teach them to write.

I will create a bright light that guides them to learning.

 

The directions are given, clearly.

It is a simple act of reading, merely.

Ah… but the hands are up, dear me.

Air fills with the repeated question, tears.

Hold it together, don’t yell, “Hear me!”

Point at the directions near me,

and demand, read it out loud for me.

 

I will teach them to do math.

I will create a clear path that guides them to learning.

 

There is plenty of blame.

It has become a drinking game.

Every year, it’s the same.

There are new faces and names,

but the struggle remains;

how to get them to use their brains?

 

I will teach them to learn.

I will create a fire that burns to guide them to a love of learning.