the teacher next door

i see the english

teacher next door.

it's nine a.m.

and she's stoned out of her mind

already.

eating

a brownie

on her front porch

in her underwear.

hey sugar, she says,

as she sees me leaving the house.

i hear

music playing

from her phone.

the grateful dead.

where you going?

to work, i yell back.

stop by later, i'm off today.

it's casual

friday.

i called in sick.

i need a break from those

damn kids.

i see that, i tell her,

adjusting my tie,

and sipping my coffee.

open all day, she says,

laughing.

you have a good day now.

i'll save

you some brownies.

okay, i tell her.

have fun.