by Obediencia Heckmann
For this, I got an advanced degree
I said, Xeroxing History.
For this, I took out student loans
I said, making kids charts about bones.
For this, I drive a ruined car
I said, fixing a student’s guitar.
For this, I make an endless commute
I said, while teaching sax players to toot.
For this, I gave up decent pay
I said, showing manipulations of “A.”
For this, I give year after year
I said, as a child shares a tear.
For this, I grudgingly admit,
Is a worthy task I’ll never quit.