They call it the dance of the lemons –

the teachers who are not given tenure

after working diligently for four years –

after studying in their fields for four years –

and obtaining master’s degrees, too –

They call it the dance of the lemons.

It only takes one administrator to deny tenure

and that sets the course into action.

No other school will take the dancer seriously.

Outrageous demands will be put on them –

forcing them to perform acrobatic feats of

academic excellence – 100% on standardized

tests (that tests skills and nothing more) –

100% attendance (as if they somehow

are accountable for their students’ lives.)

100% on volunteering for unpaid activities –

which creates hatred among the tenured teachers.

It’s a dog-eat-dog existence.

Dancing the lemon dance as if you are not good enough,

squeezed of every last drop of sour-tasting energy.

Tested from right to left and left to right –

ball chain, ball chain, step in and step out –

But never give up!

You are not a lemon!  You have touched

the lives of many who will never forget you!