Dream Class
by ARHuelsenbeck

retired from teaching

Children Playing on the Beach by Mary Cassatt

called back on
emergency basis
kindergarten
school building closed

arrived at address
supervisor said
here’s your classroom
and disappeared

four walls open to the sky
an open doorway
no supplies
not even a class list
stupid administrators—
at the BEACH

the students did just what you’d expect
5-year-olds to do
they ran out the door
and scattered in all directions

some ran into the surf
some plopped down to build sandcastles
others hunted for shells and sandcrabs

I shouted myself hoarse
and tried valiantly to gather them up
they showed no signs of hearing me
or even seeing me

fluffy clouds drifted across
turquoise skies
sunshine warmed my skin
a light wind combed
my hair

maybe this could turn out well
beautiful day
sunny beach
happy children

how many students am I
responsible for, anyway?
didn’t I start out with more?
what happens when their
parents come to pick them up
and I can’t find them?

worry about that later