“What’s it like to teach in a prison?”
“Are security guards with you all the time?”
“It must be so scary; how can you stand it?”
“Nope; it’s just me, by myself, six-to-one.”
Teachers start with a briefing. Who’s new to each class
and which day to begin them; hope he’ll work hard and pass.
Period 1 starts at 8, so my only real chance for the morning
is to get coffee before, piping hot, for tongue burning.
Some like it scalding. Some like it hot.
I take what I can get from the community pot.
Not terribly picky, it’s the caffeine that I crave.
I’ll take it lukewarm or cold to make it through my day.
But as for the teaching, it’s really the best
situation I’ve taught in all through my career.
Men getting a new lease, returning to society
with education, vocation, more prepared for life’s tests.
So, if I have to drink my coffee when it’s gone past its prime
because I’ve been tutoring this one,
or prepping that one in writing,
My reward is his success: I’ll drink when there’s time.
Mack Ames Books and Maine Moose Patrol 