Timing her Tears

Timing her Tears

A student teaches her a secret shake.
After multiple days, she makes no mistakes.
The teacher smiles as she walks through the door.

A student is caught with a handful of drugs.
The world will now label this boy a thug.
The teacher wells up, wishing he'd chosen more.

A student smiles and says she looks pretty.
They exchange banter that's particularly witty.
The teacher smiles, warmed to her core.

A student puts his head down.
He won't shake that frown.
The teacher wants him awake. She implores.

A student fails her class.
The parent sobs. We have no home. He needs to pass.
The teacher chokes her tears back down - heart torn.

"Shut up. You f***ing racist" - no matter what she said.
The student whose face she tends to dread.
The teacher can't take him much more.

A sweet young man's note says "You should have fun"
"It's my favorite class when it's all said and done."
Monday's over. She releases her tears after the students are out the door.