The Class

I always saw them as my children.
Each one individual and together a dynamic
that broke my heart every day.

I always had biscuits or sweets
hidden in my desk drawer,
especially for the ones who said they forgot their lunch.
I knew otherwise. They hadn’t had breakfast either.

I always had patience for the tired.
They had no patience for work,
especially for the ones who were on the energy drinks.
I knew otherwise. They’d played ‘Fortnite’ until 2am.

I always brought in resources.
Pencils were like gold dust,
especially the ones the students brought in.
I knew otherwise. No pencil no work.

I always wanted to be a teacher.
A passion for a subject and enjoyment to illuminate,
especially the minds of the primary school “failures.”
I knew otherwise. I never went to grammar school.

I always saw them as my children.
Each one individual and together a dynamic
that made my life worth living every day.