Dedicated to my class of 2015

My first-ever group to not only pay attention
to this (too old? unrelatable setting?
boys’ prep school—really?) movie choice,
but let loose your tears of frustration,
your cheers of redemption, at its bittersweet end.

The only students who actually followed my
standardized-test lecture (copying, studying
the notes, underlining passages, reminding
each other on test days the right things to do)
taking the most time—and care—than
I’ve ever witnessed or dreamt of seeing.

The next generation of Americans (lazy?
ungrateful? bored to pieces?) who
will lead our country into a future
(recessed? depressed? unforgiving?)
whose citizens will one day be as proud
of you (hardworking, grateful, dedicated)
as I, your humble teacher, am today.