Ode to Teachers

Officially, my children have been out of school 96 hours or so.  Already, I am missing their teachers!

So, for those of you who have cared for, nurtured, guided, and coached our children, this is dedicated to you.

With backpacks and papers, dumped on the stairs

they jump on their bikes, free of all cares.

1 hour later, they return with more kids,

Depleting ice pops and food from the fridge.

Then back out they go: playground, woods, and stream,

30 minutes later, in they fly full of steam.

“We’re hungry, we’re bored, and we’ve nothing to do.”

All of this, by quarter of two.

And thus it continues through dusk til dawn.

Up late, snacks gone, early rising minus yawns.

Despite activities and friends in and out,

“Still hungry, still bored," they all shout.

In the midst of the fray, I clean up the trail

Of laundry, muddy shoes, cast off items they flail.

Xbox controllers, Play Station 2,

Movies uncovered, game pieces they threw.

Forts made from pillows, blankets and books,

Cover every corner, each cranny and nook.

Oh, the places they go, and the things that they find,

Spinning faster than the speed of light—without reason or rhyme.

Camps haven’t started; we’ve not been to a pool,

Summer’s heat hasn’t hit, things are still cool.

Treats that I’ve purchased to last through the summer

Have completely vanished which is quite a bummer.

So, to teachers and support staff, no matter your location

I thank you for your months of patience and dedication.

And I know many of you, will work still, despite vacation

Because it is your calling, your service, your vocation.

From students:  feel the difference made, from each of their hearts—

From parents:  we can’t wait for next year to start!