New teacher nerves…New teacher nerves…

Why am I so worried?Why am I so worried?

They’re only 4 ft 3They’re only 4 ft 3

Perhaps because there’s 30 of Perhaps because there’s 30 of them them

……and only one of meand only one of me

What if they won’t listen?What if they fall asleep?What if they’re so crazyI break down in tears and weep?

What if there’s technology, Of which I make a hash?What if things are going wellOnly for the thing to crash?

What if my mouthSuddenly dries upAnd I simply cannot speak?What if I start to dribble? A spitting, slobbering geek?

What if they think I’m ugly?What if I get a spot?What if under pressureI sweat and get all hot?

What if there’s a fire bell And I don’t know what to do?What if I leave a child behind And her parents decide to sue?

What if I run over?What if I run out of steam?What if the pupils all look niceBut aren’t quite what they seem?

What if they can’t hear me?What if they think I shout?What if there’s no-one in the roomBecause I’ve sent the whole lot out?

What if I lose my lesson plan?What if I’m in the wrong room?They’ll be here in a minute…or two…Well…I assume.

Of course, the lesson will happenAnd you’ll always remember the firstBut whatever happens actuallyIt probably won’t be your worst.

You might even enjoy itYou’ll hopefully not be in painUntil the thoughts of tomorrow…When the questions begin again…

M F Cowan 2008 Like this? See www.poemsforgeography.blogspot.com