Larissa+Pahomov

I will do my best to try and write all of the poetry assignments!


 * Ode to Grease**

In my gear shift, under my fingernails, creased into every tooth of my metal chain. Tapped in a pattern onto every right pant leg, near the cuff. A letter print, or a tattoo of sorts.

Smeared on the right arm of my jacket Where'd that stain come from? My mother will ask I'll take it to the dry cleaners (I won't answer her question, though.)

She doesn't like the bicycle that hung in the garage for at least 10 years before we pulled it down and realized that it was just my size.

She hasn't seen the angry stain where I wiped out and the chain attacked my shorts Leaving their grime behind. Dirty teeth! But forget hygiene. Grease makes it work. I dust myself off and ride on home.


 * Sonnet for an English Teacher**

Oh! What a fate it is to be adrift in podcasts that are each ten minutes long. At the end of the day there's no time left For grading interviews mixed in with songs.

Don't be confused by the statement made here! My students work hard; credit they deserve. But evening rolls in and the sandman draws near. So it's hard to stay ahead of the curve.

A robot grader could be what I need. Just insert projects; it spits out a grade! But no. That's hardly constructive. (Indeed.) So I'll now soldier on, alone, no aide.

Authentic feedback can help make a class More than just something that kids want to pass.