Serenading the Headmistress

you stare down at me with those

pretentious eyes

best, you want better

I can feel my self-esteem

d

r

o

p

p

i

n

g

like ink from a quill

or blood on the pavement outiside

where the "tough" kids

always meet me before lunch

Adults like you

stop and gaze

behund closed blinds you grade papers

and ignore the screams

your staring hasn't ceased

watching me as if I'm about to

fuck up

high school

d

r

o

p

o

u

t

s

are falling at your feet

their bones snapping beneath your

nicest pair of church heels--