A cartoon spinning stack of
teacups and saucers,

clarity of a drill sergeant and
the patience of Jesus,

doors locked and
communication open,

minds curious and
books censored,

ideas on the table and
words carefully minced,

curriculum followed and
creativity flowing,

bandaids,
blood sugar tests,
temp checks,
inhalers
rubber gloves for pulling loose teeth,
epilepsy meds and
epipens at the ready,

mindful breathing techniques and
self-soothing instructions,

adult egos tended and
self-worth intact,

phone calls and
loud speaker announcements,

mask on and
breath steady,

persona spotless and
inner world exploding.