We’re burning out
like the last embers
of an autumn fire
before all is lost
up in smoke along
with the dreams of
making a difference
because the kids
don’t deserve this
and they know it
their parents would
rather be upset
at the e-mail sender
than profane misogynism
coming from
a thirteen-year-old
when administration does
nothing more
than cower before
threats of legal action
because no one
believes in allowing
natural consequences
to play out in
lives, anymore