i told him
FROM NOW ON
i’m writing in extended metaphors
then no one can get pissed
feel left out
never forgive my words

YOU ARE UNFORGIVEN
don’t quote your
classroom time
don’t try to be
the person you are not

the teacher
you are not

it would take
less than one day
less than one hour
to step into that classroom
and see the deepest connection
to students
that you will ever witness
it would take
ten minutes
sticks in hand
plethora of patience
resting on lips
less than the time it takes
for you to compose
the first draft
of your horrific email

I WILL NOT WRITE IN METAPHORS
because you need to hear
that the teachers you claim to support
are fleeing like migrating birds
and soon you will be
in the midst of mediocrity

go ahead
tweet your latest
run out teachers
who know better than you
how to form
the society
you claim to adhere to