First Hour

I’ll Take Next!

I've come to the end of another career,
no commendations,golden handshakes,
celebrations or cheers.
No one grabbed and hugged you,
or said, "I'm glad you were here!"

The hard work I did - forgotten,
replacements already assigned,
tenured but not weathered,
but they changed their mind.
"We'll get more bank for the buck
they said,
when we change the design."

Where will I go?
What will I do?
They just sent a "pink" slip,
but down the stairs, I just tripped.
Protecting my flock from 
that which was cruel.

The endless sleepless nights
creating miracles,
not always knowing what to do.
I'm worthy of my calling,
spending too much 
blood, sweat and tears
teaching school!

I heeded the call,
I wrote reform to revise the text.
Unappreciated, cast aside, underpaid
and recommendations stalled,
God knows I did my best!
Whatever He has for me...
I'll take next.                                                                                                      

Compton, CA
June 22, 2019 @7:22