And They Say Its A Dull Sedate Job!!!


 

 


 

 

I teach - they call it a half day chore
I have fifty-two students and they're sending some more!
School begins at eight, but my work begins much before
At the bus-stop where I have children twenty-four.
 
"Don't run onto the road!"
"It's cold, button up your coat"
"Don't fight, behave yourselves"
"No pushing - you'll all get into the bus."
"Please sit, this is not a playground!
So will you all stop romping around."
"Is that where you rest your elbow?
No heads out of the window!"
 
I heave a sigh of relief on seeing the school gates
Thank God no mishap took place!
Suddenly I hear a loud thud
Piya has fallen off the school bus!!
 
Just jumped off, intending to day bunk
Badly bruised, she landed in the sanatorium!
Then began the round of calls
It was important to tell her parents all.
 
Between councelling and scolding, I run for class
If I don't reach on time there'll be utter chaos!
Fifty-two kids I round up and into the room usher
Feeling more like a shepherd than a teacher!
 
"Take out your assignments, open your books
I hope yesterday's lesson was well understood.
Feel the poem, imbibe the essence
Appreciate the imagery in every sentence."
 
The class enthused, I enjoy it too
Little realizing how time just flew.
Got to rush to the next class
Up I climb two flights of stairs!
 
These are the students who've opted for commerce
Extremely restless, loud and boisterous!
Motivating them is not easy
Education for some is last priority
 
A reputed school - just a status symbol
Develop an attitude and brag to others!
A poor result and I'll be questioned
While their dad's money will ensure their admission!
 
I cajole, I coax, I try my best
Yet half of them have failed the test!
Just when I have them settled and ready to begin
The door's pushed open and Kunal barges in!
 
"Son, too early for the next class, too late for mine
So can you explain where were you for minutes nine?"
"Ma'am by the Head Master I was hauled
Because once again I was involved in a brawl
He's a junior and dared to show disrespect
I had to teach him a lesson he won't forget!"
"Do you realize that once again you'll be placed under suspension!
When will you learn to respect yourself my son?
I'll deal with you later, but now let me teach
Or how will I the syllabus complete?"
 
Never a dull moment, no time to relax
With so much happening both inside and outside class!
It's break time and I yearn for a cup of tea
In walks Anubha - "Ma'am will you help me, please?"
 
"Sweetheart I need to unwind, can you wait?"
"Ma'am but tomorrow is the inter-school debate!"
We move to the language lab... tea forgotten
As I help her improve her style and expression.
In school time just flies on wings
And all too soon the final bell rings!.
Utter pandemonium when the clock strikes two
Its just like being led out of the zoo!
 
School over - but home is far away
Now begin rehearsals for the English play
We work, we laugh and have good fun
So many goof ups in the trial run!
 
Home at last, but work not over
I still have to set the Unit Test paper!
It's tiring, its exhausting, but it provides satisfaction
Oh, how I love this teaching profession!
 
My students - a mixed crowd, defying classification
Some working hard, making projects, gathering information.
Some casual, some restless,
Some indifferent, some boisterous,
They come in all shades and hues
And comprise my class of fifty - two.
 
Their youth is infectious, yes - its contagious
Being with them makes my work so precious.
Alive and vibrant -unlike dead files
For them I can walk that extra mile!
 
 
Dealing all day with these live explosive bombs
And they still call it a dull sedate job!!!
 
~Granny 'O'~