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
Teachers, particularly those who deal with 5-year-olds are the real heroes…. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, I would so dream something like this too. I am always being put in a position of responsibility with no preparation from the people who are handing off the kids!
LikeLiked by 1 person