A Teachers' Solitude

by Gloria Amodeo

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On a bleak and cold September day,
Candi bolstered herself to enter the fray.
Body strong, protected, face masked,
Prepared, well-equipped to execute her task.

Oblivious to the voices, the bustle in the hall,
She envisioned her lesson to be the best of them all.
Bursting enthusiasm to do the job well,
Held her afloat until she fell.

Why can't they learn? Homo sapiens quest,
My tools are as sharp as Plato's best!
More creative thought, that's what I need,
More time spent on strategies, indeed.

She consulted more books, what do the researchers say?
Brilliant prescription for the best way.
But which one is right, how does one know?
Maybe a conference, I want to know.

How's it going? a colleague asked,
Just fine, she replied, walking away fast.
[must hide my inadequacies, can't reveal defeat.
Must rely on my knowledge, remain upbeat.]

How do you---------? asked colleague the next day,
You're asking me? retorted Candi in dismay.
When climbing a mountain, to whom should I turn?
My fellow mountaineers. How else could I learn?

We're on the same mountain, you and I,
We can find the way together, if we try.
Thus encouraged, Candi began to share,
successes and failures [now easier to bear.]

One month passed, Candi and colleague,
Sharing ideas, collaborating communicating.
At the end of the day, Candi joined in the fray,
She had seen the mountain top,
Through her own voice!