If there were an award for worst teacher,
Ms. Hardwick would win hands down.
She’s had a frown on her face
since the beginning of the school year.
So, when she smiles, you’re flummoxed.*
Well, it appears that
Nicholas here has been
doing a little bit of extra credit, she says,
staring at your notebook.
Now you’re really confused.
She hands you back your notebook.
Nicholas, would you please share
this lovely new vocabulary word
you’ve discovered.
She winks at you when she says lovely.
She’s gonna embarrass you in front of everyone.
Do I have to, Ms. Hardwick?
It’s such a wonderful, rhythmic word.
Spell it for the class, please.
You do, and then she goes in for the kill.
Do you know what it means, Nicholas?
No, you lie. (Why is she still smiling?)
Let’s give Nicholas a round of applause.
Everyone does. Even April.
Class, your homework is to define limerence
and use it in a sentence.
Whew, you think, as you walk
back to your seat.
(I survived!)
Ms. Hardwick isn’t all that bad.
You escaped,
but just before
you sit down
Winnifred raises her hand
and starts
spraying bullets
everywhichaway.