First Day of School - Summer, 2013

The table is blank.

It is for the young boys and girls to write upon it, and

For the teachers to write upon it.

They will take up their writing instruments not knowing

What awaits them:

Judgment passed on their conduct and on their work,

Stiletto looks thrust their way in hall and playground,

Looks holding in their sharp sights

Hope that stiletto looks will be returned. 

And the teachers, confused and afraid,

Pumping themselves up with ersatz confidence,

Trying to hide their angst with hubris,

Hoping that the bell will ring

Before dearth of their knowledge,

The depth of their ignorance will be disclosed.

After today,

After the first day of school,

The table will begin to build rich memories.

--August 12, 2013