Erased Emotions

They call it a smart system,
totally integrated between
tradition and the computer age.
A black board and dry erase board
with light pens and a computer screen.

I was an instructor then.
First day back from vacation,
and my daycare for Emily had quit,
before starting.
To work with me she went.

Frustrated, I sat at my desk,
grumbling through email
and lesson plan changes,
while Emily colored
and ate a snack bar junk food lunch.

"Daddy can I write
on your board for awhile."
"Daddy's busy, so much to do."
"Daddy, I just wanted to make
a picture for you."

Her sadness was evident.
Sometimes in trying to juggle
everything, we neglect
the most important things
in life, trying to get ahead.

"Sorry baby, give me a minute."
I exited out of email,
FTMS, and all the programs
that kept track of my job,
found a fresh pack of markers.

"Here you go doll.
I will get my teaching stool
so you can reach higher."
The first picture showed a grumpy dad,
with a daughter giving him a balloon.

Emily changed that picture
to show us happy and having fun.
I added trees and birds and all.
We erased the bad emotions,
creating memories and smiles.

They call it a smart board.
Totally integrated between
tradition and the computer age.
A black board and dry erase board,
smile making and bright.