Gorilla in the Classroom

A green gorilla was dropped into Chevak
It charged across the tundra, shrieking wildly, disturbing poor mice
It tried to storm across the lake, but it slipped and fell
Both the fall and the hard ice blew him into a greater rage
And the buildings shook
Icicles fell from the force of its fury
It charged into the school, fueled by anger
It disrupted the tests of the students
It disturbed the peace and broke concentration
It broke into one of the classrooms and frightened the students
It flailed its arms like the fans of great windmills
It turned over desks like crashing waves
It brought the place of education to chaos and havoc
It cornered one of the students, a young girl with brown hair
It raised up a paw as though to strike the girl dead
Then it brought its paw down, landing gently on her shoulder
In its excitement, it screamed, “Tag! You’re it!”

Soon to Awake

Home in Corydon.
Home with the usual bustle and scurry.
Hurry get ready now!

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And soon to awake

Both parents at home, but neither available for help.
No breakfast this morning
Just get ready soon

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And soon to awake

I fumble at my backpack
The bus passes by the window
Only one more chance to catch it

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And soon to awake

I’m already irritated at my first loss
Now my sister plays that abominable song too loudly
“Don’t trust a hoe.”

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And soon to awake

My blood boils and my anger rises
I move my mouth, but no words come out
Then I scream “TURN THAT UNGODLY CRAP OFF!”

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And soon to awake

My father bursts in, asking “Are you okay?”
Blearily I say, “‘Twas a dream. Go back to sleep.”
His answer: “It’s almost time to rise anyway.”

Quick to anger
Slow to understanding
And now awake