She talks
to her pencils
They are her friends
I watch her
Remembering
being her age
What's your name
she asks
Smiling so sweetly
Warming my heart
Ms. Ladson
I respond
she smiles bigger
Brighter
An image that
makes me drop
My guards
Only for a minute
Get back in line before you get into trouble
I warn her
She has not a care
Will you be here for the Valentine's party?
She got me again
Maybe
I reply
Satisfied
she skips back to the line
I smile
Take a deep breath
and remember
I'm her teacher
Not a student
What a
Bummer
I need a
Friend
with a great
Imagination