Cease your endless lecturing.

Look at them.

Watch.

Listen.

Crack a smile

for God's sake.

You are their superior,

but every once in a while,

they want to be noticed,

to be cared for.

The unnatural compliments

you obviously force

are bothersome,

incincere.

Hidden tears 

and true struggles

are tucked away

under their rough skin.

Maybe they had

a bad day,

maybe a bad week.

That boy, back there,

meant it when he said that

he didn't understand.

Reach out a hand

and wipe that morning-gloom

off your face.

Teachers are fine,

but when they look you

in the eye,

a whole new world opens.

You could become

more like a friend.