When I'm a Teacher

by Tricia Kushen

I’m not going to stand up here and lecture you
when I know you have to listen to this until around two

I’m not going to load you down with homework
when I’ll have to grade it till I go berserk

I’m not going to lead you to believe
that all this math you’ll really need

The happy tension builds in my classroom.
You think I care about Johnny in truth or dare?

I’m just here to teach.

I’m a nation builder,
a mind creator.

I’m just here to teach.


…and get paid.