I’m trying hard not to believe
that kids in science class are ignoring me
while I present my project.
I try to ignore—
Ann Marie jiggling her foot
and picking at her cuticles
Bruce yawning
and stretching his mouth as wide as his arms
David getting out of his seat
and opening the window—
just when I ask
if anyone would like to look through the holes
and see the phases of the moon.
“Everyone, pay attention,” Mrs. Stanton says,
then asks, “May I look?”
I’m trying hard to smile
in front of the class
without breaking apart,
and pretend I don’t see—
while Mrs. Stanton gazes at the moon,
unaware—
that kids are making squint-eyes at me.