this year, she says

she tells me

that this year is the year she

will retire.

she's done.

enough.

kids and parents,

books

and lessons.

principals.

she's worn down.

tired of wearing the same

dress.

teaching

the same

class. whitman, frost,

pound

and plath.

she sleeps with words

in her mouth.

the ink

running down

her cheek,

and tears.