Selective Hearing

Selective Hearing

“Really?”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Has your brain turned mush?”

I gave all the

directions when the

room was hushed.

I don’t think any

person came and

blocked your ears.

Yet you look

Dumbfounded and

I sense your fears.

I think you are

aware by now—

as you can guess.

That asking me

another time

creates a mess.

I’m liable to

explode at you and

punch your nose.

Or hang you from

the ceiling by your

little toes.

Oh, I can think

of many things

to inflict pain.

But, it won’t

make a difference

and that’s the shame.

So, I will

smile and say it

  clearly one last time.

And hope some day

your ears will hear—

won’t that be fine?

(9-25-14)

I was in the computer lab with my class.  I gave the directions over and over and yet, one by one kids who did not listen came up.  It has been a struggle that way this year.  This poem is my venting tirade.  I really do try to engage tremendous patience to continue.