I'm writing down the mysteries of my class
All that I do, and why and how and when
The intricacies of a bathroom pass
Which students you can trust (but even then
You must be on your guard, and watch your back),
And here is the procedure for the roll
And don't let those kids get you off the track,
Make sure you let them think you're in control.
Sub, I've tried to give you foolproof lessons,
Easy instructions, here's how to be me,
And yet I'm (this is such a lame confession)
Not thrilled by interchangeability.
I wish my absence filled the world with sorrow
But failing that, please teach my class tomorrow.
Ruth, from thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Here's today's Poetry Friday roundup.
Ruth, I'm sure many, many folks can identify with this - I especially like the last two lines!
ReplyDeleteSo many great lines in this, Ruth -- intricacies and interchangeability. "I wish my absence filled the world with sorrow" is probably my very favorite. I will send this to a friend who subs.
ReplyDeleteThose last two lines are going on my sub folder - bless the souls who do this when we can't be there!
ReplyDeleteI love "writing down the mysteries of my class" as if you could some how summarize all that you've learned about your students day after day. What a great topic for a sonnet.
ReplyDeleteHA!! LOVE this!! I'm bookmarking it to share with my next sub. I'm so with you on disliking the "interchangeability" that I call mine "guest teachers!!"
ReplyDeleteHa! Very cute. Love those last lines.
ReplyDeleteI've done some subbing in my time and appreciate this poem. It strikes just the right tone of gratitude, humor, and doubt.
ReplyDeleteFun! Hope the sub thinks it's fun, too.
ReplyDeleteI spent time subbing when I returned to teaching (a long while ago) & was so grateful for thoughtful teachers; their students were always the most fun to be with. This is wonderfully creative, Ruth. I like those final two lines too, the the four above. Well done!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Both as a former teacher and as a former sub, I can relate. Thanks for sharing. =)
ReplyDeleteRuth this is great! :-)
ReplyDeleteAh! This is great, especially as when I saw the title at Roundup, I was thinking of a sub sandwich. :) (Maybe I'm hungry??) You've captured something here that is so very true... and hey, the intricacies of the bathroom pass are pretty important!
ReplyDeleteVery well done! And, when I sub for you, I KNOW the rascals are happy to have you back!
ReplyDeleteI love you very much!
Haha! Love the confession and what follows. I'll share this with my husband, a teacher. : )
ReplyDeleteSo glad you posted this sonnet for Poetry Friday. The truth and humor blend so nicely to produce an unforgettable tapestry of feelings.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to identify with the writer when reading this piece, especially if you have ever turned your class over to a substitute teacher.
Reading this really made me smile.
As has been said, this will be shared far and wide as this is worth repeating and repeating, again. Well done!
love love love this!
ReplyDeleteJust got done with making lesson plans for a sub for the first time ever. I'm going to have to send her this.