Staying Home From School

 

The boy was confused about the matter:

Which one was better:

Staying home was so good—

Going to school was wo good--

Which was best?

 

Walk barefooted upon the cool clayey earth

Made smooth and slick by the plow’s blade, or

 

Be in the sixth grade classroom,

Basking in the warmth of the nun’s approval,

As she held the children in her immaculate hands,

Opening windows giving upon her immaculate world.

 

--November 10, 2013