First.

Be knowledgeable about your topic.

But,

don’t remember your expertise.

Listen

to the words

tumble

stumble

rumble

through your head. Think

about your lesson.

Trip over your words.

And your feet.

That is, pace

without the grace.

DO NOT

make eye contact.

Look over heads.

Something

pulls

 

tugs

 

grasps

 

for your attention.

Incorporate technology,

that’s sure to hook them

but forget how to use it.

Don’t plug the sound in.

Fuss.

Fidget.

Fight.

Admit

defeat. No.

Don’t give up.

They’re growing bored.

Tell him not to slouch.

Ignore her twittering thumbs.

Free time.

No.

The lecture isn’t over.

They aren’t taking notes.

Quick.

Think.

Scramble.

This will be on the test.

Watch their eyes rocket open

arms dart toward backpacks

papers fly

pens pelt the paper

marring the margins

bleeding to the binding. Don’t

put the material on the test.

Too easy.

Lies.

And, for the

love

of

God,

go off topic.