Teacher, Teacher

I'm thinking hard.

What's it like, being a teacher like that?

One who doesn't hesitate to hand out detentions, who never lets us stray from the task at hand, even if we're already done with it.

Does she feel bad?

Does she ever put herself in our shoes?

I don't think so.

I would never be able to do that to children.

Or would I?

Let's see.

I enter the classroom in the morning. I've graded the Ancient Rome tests, I've prepared the lesson plans for today. The detention slips are already in my hand as the first students walk in.

"Good morning, Brendon, Alex, Jorge," I greet slowly, dangerously as they approach their seats. They afeardly greet back.

I start the lesson when all the students are here. I tell them about China's geography, the technology of ancient times, and how civilizations interacted with China.

Then I put them to work, watching over them with an eye like an eagle. One student is talking to her friend.

"Rachie?"

Rachie turns around, eyes wide in fear.

"Detention, darling. Focus on your work, please." I smile. It's not a nice smile.

Maybe I could be her one day.