The arrow of time spins around to March again
Your birthday counts up another year
To give recognition to who you are
To appreciate who you are becoming.
If your classroom were separate from all else
To allow you only to teach and inspire learning
With no outside interference or intrusions
That would be unreal.
Budget constraints and resource limitations
Shifting requirements and education dogmas
Multiple student needs competing for your attention
The day is not long enough to get it all done.
Outside school events give context to your work
As with the Midland Park sewer line sinkhole collapse
So close to home impossible to ignore
The ways our society seems to be falling apart.
Against the backdrop of national politics
The rise of the fascist demagogue spewing hatred
Threatening to put an end to the democratic façade
Such a challenging time to be an optimist.
The failed states produced by regime change aggression
The drone bombs terror endless war refugees
The homeland surveillance state our dysfunctional government
The youth demand a whole new paradigm.
There is a wonderful future to imagine and create
Providing meaningful work for everyone
Growing a culture that values everyone
Building socialism to meet the needs of everyone.
In your classroom you cultivate that possibility
The way that the children learn fair play
To show respect and encourage each other
They will want their adult world to be like this.
Their parents are delighted by what they hear
How their sons and daughters love their teacher
For the example she sets the way she conducts herself
For the academics and life lessons they learn.
This microcosm is your place of goodness
Where you make space to enjoy learning
Where attention is given to you happily
Where all is right with the world
