Rich Henderson's Diary
The First 180 Days

Rich's Diary: Report Cards: Ode to Winter Break and a Skunk's Visit

Week 23

During this past week, we began studying poetry and a skunk visited our building. I decided to incorporate both into this week's diary entry.

It was the week before break and all through the class,
Little voices were heard -- not one but a mass
Talking and laughing with little restrain.
Their excitement not impossible but difficult to contain.

With little regard to the work close at hand,
They set their eyes to the vacations they'd planned,
Forgetting the rules and the homework to be done,
Instead concentrating on skiing and fun.

When into the room came me, their instructor,
To remind them of whose guidance they are under.
There's work to be done and tests to be completed;
Vacation would come when their work was depleted.

An ogre they thought, what fun could he be
When winter is a time of snow and pure glee.
Vacation, they cried "Is here once again!"
"Let's have fun now; we'll work hard in the end."

Not convinced, nor persuaded by their continuous pleas,
I set out undaunted to teach as I see.
Reading and writing went according to plan;
Math and poetry -- we'll do as much as we can.

By Wednesday, we were settled in our routine;
Less gabbing and fooling were now to be seen.
When out of the wilderness what should evolve
But a black and white creature to test our resolve.

Cute, some would say, with its fur and big tail.
A menace, for others, to be put in a jail.
A skunk it was, not a raccoon or a cat.
By its aromatic character, we were certain of that!

The creature had burrowed rather nice and snug
Under the fifth-grade wing; deep it had dug.
No concern or worry about whom it might offend;
A mate it was seeking, not simply a friend.

Its scent was rather strong, enough to distract,
But quick thinking was our principal to act,
Moving one class away from the bouquet,
Then calling a trapper to come save the day.

The trapper came so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment the skunk he would trick.
Humanely and carefully, it would certainly be taken
To be placed in a forest, its old home now forsaken.

Expectations I had of my class losing sight
Of the work to be done, the skunk despite.
Yet surprised was I to watch and to learn
How well they reacted and behaved in turn.

The week, it did end, with no further commotion,
Yet as I sit and reflect, I am left with this notion.
Excited and animated students will be
For vacations and holidays or weekends you see.

But just when you think you understand their behavior,
They amaze and surprise you in ways that you savor.
Never underestimate them -- of that I am sure,
For their acts and deeds can be quite mature.

So as I prepare to enjoy this week's break,
A final word to you I will make.
Teachers, help students grow and achieve.
Why? Because one day, like the skunk, from school they will leave.

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Rich Henderson
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