Building the Tribe: An Ode to Teachers on the First Day of School

In the crucible that forged us all

That stood at most three stories tall

And housed the minds the future hopes

Successfully jumps through its ropes

A tribe of people wait to see

This slice of our humanity

Approach with skin scrubbed to a sheen

To cleanly face the unforeseen

These last few weeks the tribe has come

Back to the base to be among

Those others who have also learned

That learning is their main concern

And so they prep for new demands

The tests, the bells, the shows of hands

But on this day, as youth arrived

They hoped their plans were strong devised

But now, first class -- it's far too late

To save their lessons from a fate

That calls to mind a crash and burn

Their principals can scarce discern

From flaming wrecks charred crisply black

By vandals waging bold attack

So all that's left is heartfelt hope

That students over time will cope

Too soon the days transform to weeks

Where sickness wears until they're weak

Fatigue sets in and multiplies

Through blood-red shots within their eyes

They know their fate; despite this fact

They waver not, they never slacked

When working in those last few days

Contending with late summer's haze:

So long! to summer school upgrades

For which they pay and are not paid

Farewell! to summer's warming break

And barbecues with sizzling steak

Goodbye! to time spent home at rest

So briefly August manifests

Adieu! so quick you had to go?

September's here to say hello!

So on this day that school resumes

I wanted to take up this room

To hail, salute and send support

To those who write progress reports

And mark all night, and serve all day

Our kids at work, at rest, at play

So teachers -- smile and have no fear

On this the first day of your year

Your job is tougher than some think

So when stress holds you at the brink

Remember this -- when times are hard

We hold your work in high regard

Without compassion at your core

To push our kids to aim for more

The road ahead is dim and bleak --

So never cease to guide and speak.