I wake up cranky in the morning
and sneer through the shower to peppy music
I’ve self-inflicted as brighten up regimen;
I threaten to call home on an ESL student
because she won’t speak and I just know
she understands more English than that;
A parent says to me “It’s so nice to see you;
You always wear the funniest things,â€
and I just smile and nod
I suggest outdoor recess in a snowstorm
because it will be fun
broken bones and liability inside
Why not? A little voice pipes
pipe pipe
pipe pipe
vacation calls