the chewing gum solution

I think every kid in school
should chew gum.

it relaxes you.
takes the edge off.

have a can at the front of the room
for disposal
once the flavor falls flat,

or the gum gets too hard
to chew, and the risk
of swallowing it
becomes clear.

spearmint, double bubble,
whatever.

even the teacher should chew
gum.

and then time out could be called
from
all the learning
to blow bubbles.
snapping and popping them
loudly.

it's too stressful all
this teaching and studying.
tests and quizzes,

class after class,
give them gum, I say.
give them gum.

it'll help everyone relax.