‘Twas the first night of break, when all through the school
Not a creature was stirring, except a privatizing ghoul
A public school teacher was sleeping all snug in her bed
While visions of happy students appeared in her head
As the papers she graded slid off of her lap
She had just settled down for a long winter’s nap
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
The teacher dragged herself from bed to see what was the matter
And what to her tired eyes did appear?
But a bunch of self-righteous folks who were
billionaires
“O’ Waltons, O’ Broad, O’ DeVos , O’ Gates
What are you doing here on my lawn so late?
Do I even want to know your latest plans to deceive?
Seriously, winter break is supposed to be a reprieve!”
Unfortunately, to her front porch the billionaires did dash
Wearing their contempt for public schools like an itchy red rash
Down the stairs she went to meet them, as if in a trance
She thought maybe she could reason with them, if given the chance
A backpack full of cash was flung on their backs
And they looked smug and condescending in their tailored slacks
The teacher presented research about what kids need to learn
But their only care was the money they could earn
“Students are children; not products,” she tried to explain
“Your lack of knowledge and meddling are causing great pain”
She added that teaching is a mix of science and art
“It’s a humanity,” she said “Not a business with no heart!”
The vacant look in their eyes and tilt of their heads
Soon gave her to know she had much to dread
They spoke not a word, disregarding her work
She feared inequity would continue to lurk
Then away they all flew in their extravagant jets
Forgetting to thank her for cleaning up their mess
But they heard her exclaim, as they drove out of sight
“This isn’t over! We’ll continue to fight!”
Happy winter break to all and peace to those willing to fight for it.
Melissa Marini Švigelj 