Two weeks to vacation. Counterpart in a pissy mood today – “oh how hard we work, how difficult our job… Some days it is not so bad, in fact some days we approach friendliness. Other days, and more often, it is the bitterness. So much bitterness; that of lost empire and glory, that of disrespect, that of constantly just getting by. In some ways I sympathize. After all, our teachers are some of our most valuable assets; disrespect them and disrespect the future. But other times the sympathy doesn’t come. Instead one views their cowing toward authority and thinks, “well, I guess this is what you get when you refuse to speak up.” And though some may say that this is just a hangover from prior days, I would argue that it is more. Obsequiousness now breads obsequiousness tomorrow; though the students know better, they have no idea how to make it so. It is a tragic cycle in which only the most corrupt and cynical seem to survive, woe be the idealist of any stripe. But then again, this is not my land, these are not my people. But one leaves with the troubling thought that the process of corruption is no longer mandated from upon high, rather chosen consciously as a means of survival. Which is more terrifying?

Okay, this should be the last post of this type, but this time let’s look at poetry. Since poetry is a tough one to teach, I want to go with poems that are fun, musical and meant to be read/performed. For instance, the classic, “Casey at the bat,” is really a concise short story. Others I’ve already chosen are ee cummings, some Seuss and Brooks’ understated, “We Real Cool.” Throw at me some poetry that you recall, stuff that is your favorite, fun and that students are likely to dig. And thanks 😉 daddio.