Dear Student

Dear Student

I forgive you for stomping that giant erect phallus

Into the pristine snow

Of the playground. The rounded droop, lightly shadowed

Giving the hint of two. The

Length, simply stunning in its scope like an

Obscene corn maze or crop circle made by

mischievous adolescent aliens.

Son, you’ve no idea how I choked back my own

Inner child and forced out the stern teacher-voice

As you and I stomped and sloshed and foot-swept

the pattern away, until all that remained of your masterpiece was

10,000 footprints in complete disorder.

I wish I could have written my name in yellow,

calling hey come look! I wish I could have carved

A snow lady bent on the receiving end.

And sat with you in our fort snuffling, and preparing ammo for the

Snow-fight sure to come.

That morning when I saw your chef-d'oeuvre from the

Fourth floor, I and a dozen teachers snickered and giggled.

From the roof I took a selfie you’ll never see

Using perspective to lewd and hilarious effect.

It’s true you spent an afternoon punished, erasing your work.

But I spent half an afternoon playing in the snow.

And I love you for it.