'Twas the Night Before Christmas...Break Ended

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...Break Ended"

A poem inspired by Clement Clarke Moore

Please note: We aren't going to talk about anything happening
like a bowl full of jelly.    

'Twas the night before Christmas....break ended and all through the classroom,  

not a creature had visited, at least not a mouse. 

The broom had been placed in the corner with care, in hopes that a magical elf to clean up all that red glitter would soon be there.

Alas. 

The children were all snuggled up in their beds 

while visions of prefix and suffixes danced in their heads. 

Because, of course they did. 

And me in pajamas with computer in my lap

Wishing I had settled in for one last long winter's nap.

When in my e mail there arose such a clatter. 

Teachers lesson planning on their break  was clearly the matter. 

When what to my surprise should rightly appear

Three Google Calendar alerts with reminders for the new year. 

Now planning! Now grading!

That pencil sharpener that died before break that still needed fixin'

We start space tomorrow. Classifying comets.

How many days until Cupid?

This break is a goner.

It's back to brain blitzin'.

To the front of the room. 

Walk quietly in the halls.

Take the pre-Christmas work down from the walls

Put this away, Put that away 

Sanitize all! 

My eyes--how they twinkle! I am rested! 

 How merry!

I must get there early tomorrow. Coffees to prep - how many?

(Eight - Like the reindeer)
My mouth drawn up like a bow
The year is fresh, white as the snow.

With a wink of the eye, and nothing to dread, 

we''ll spring to the car with the teacher bag, the other teacher bag, the two coffees, the thank you notes, the graded papers, the book we read for professional development, the children that belong to us in real life, and the very best of intentions ...

as we drive out of sight.

Saying ,"Happy first day back, Teachers and Students! And to all a good night!"

.....after I get all this stuff ready for tomorrow.