By John Affleck When Monsignor Sweeney visits our fifth-grade classroom, everybody gets geeked up, even more than when we’re in Sister Madeline’s English class. Usually, we get about 30 minutes notice, like an air raid, before Sweeney shows up. Our homeroom teacher, Sister Noreen, announces the visit in a formal tone — we’re lucky enough … Continue reading Catechism Lesson
Alphabets: Sigma
By Thomas Page My many years can be summed in on a transcript Marking each of my earned three-hours with a letter And a decimal’d point to a larger number That makes me summa or magne or not At the end of it all on a May day. Can I sum it all up in … Continue reading Alphabets: Sigma
“Euphony”
By Thomas Page I am student teaching a senior level class in Washington, DC. They have to write some poems on these prompts. I decided to try all 30 of them. However, I will not say what the prompt was but what it number was. Prompt #19 The clatter of a thousand voices talking At … Continue reading “Euphony”
“Cranberry” and “Water Bear”
By Thomas Page I am student teaching a senior level class in Washington, DC. They have to write some poems on these prompts. I decided to try all 30 of them. However, I will not say what the prompt was but what it number was. Prompt #17 “Cranberry” The tastes of cranberry cocktail bamboozles … Continue reading “Cranberry” and “Water Bear”
Tears and Laughter
By john collins 2018 Tears are not always shed in pain. Many books have been written in tears. as well, containing their share of laughter. Much of history has been written in tears. with its thread of struggle and strife. Life can be a school for tears as well as a school for laughter. … Continue reading Tears and Laughter
ACADEMIC TESTS
By Sahaj Sabharwal Oh these tests, Superflous academic tests. No time to prepare For entrance tests. Difficult to store Vast concepts in mind, Oh how to retain so much Till marks given and paper signed. Bewaring that, The examiner is not blind, And not our bydweller That gives marks so kind. All … Continue reading ACADEMIC TESTS
“A Quiz”
By Thomas Page The closest thing to silence echoes through the room. The lesson plans of other teachers bleed in through the walls Like a gushing wound by a riverbed To set the stage of unease. The occasional flip of paper Or the clawing of an eraser Work in syncopation led by no conductor. Does … Continue reading “A Quiz”
A Keyboard As Hot As A Smocking Barrel
By Mendes Biondo I’ve got to write an article about a banner affixed against the wall of a library something against mobsters and indifference something for those who believe culture could kill professionals with smoking guns or lawyers accountants notaries corrupt I’ve got to write that piece but I can feel my stomach aching … Continue reading A Keyboard As Hot As A Smocking Barrel
Song of Songs
By Marvel Pephel Nneka is not dead, but she wishes she was. What she has just seen is unbearable. What life is doing to her, she thinks, is not fair. She wants to die, but she won't. She wishes she wasn't callous. *** Light rises on Chekwube, a young chubby girl with … Continue reading Song of Songs
“Brain of a Cat”
By Thomas Page Dr. Reading wanted to make a scene By transforming a cat into a dream Teacher by the end of fifteen school weeks. Sangchu, his proposed student, barely speaks Nor communicates with the clarity Normally reserved by rarity Of talking animals. “This is harder Than I initially envisioned,” to her He said. … Continue reading “Brain of a Cat”
