Teacher's gone!—The word goes out.

Today we'll play, tease and shout.

She'll not know which is which,

So you and me, let's just switch.

You be me, and I'll be you,

She'll be confused before we're through.

I've heard she looks pretty meek,

So keep your work until next week.

 

In your seats!—She's coming now,

We'll have fun, I'll show you how.

Spitwads, planes and funny sounds,

Look innocent when she turns around.

Blast your horn, play sour notes,

Do your best to get her goat.

Music's not her thing, you know,

So just don't try—pretend you're slow.

 

…Say!—She's not meek, she's rather stern.

She thinks we came to school to learn!

And listen to the quiet now.

The band sounds good:  she's teaching how.

This is the best we've been all year,

Even better than when Teacher's here.

She's in control!—You know, I'm glad.

Class is fun when we're not bad.

 

This is better than a regular day.

I wish Mrs. Garver could just stay.

 

 

23 November 1993

 

Written to Marilyn Lay-Garver in response

to a poem she sent to me.  She had just

substituted in Heidi's and Aaron's band

class.  They loved her, and wished she

could be their regular teacher.