i don’t understand
 what you’ve done with these students
 since last semester
 
 i saw rowdy freshman
 who wouldn’t listen to me,
 the sub… anyone
 
 and now with rigor
 they listen, think, read, and write?
 how did you do it?
 
 i mention The Book
 (not the missing feedback talk)
 i smile and nod
 
 (consolation prize:
 yes, you’re a master teacher
 but not good enough)
 
 
 favoritism stings
 when ideas are trapped beneath
 brown-nosing bastards