Back to School Night - The Other Side

Inspired by the best advice my public speaking teacher gave me

Enter my room,
Drop your clothes to the floor,
Slap your cheeks on a cold, tan chair,
Slide your bare toes along the sticky tile,
And pay attention to my course outline.

I can look at you,
All of you,
all of you,
And feel better about myself,
While hiding behind my podium,
Giggling inside at the naked trees
Instead of your unfortunate apples.

You must be Adam’s pop -
the mole on your chest gives you away.
And, you must be Eve’s mother -
The tattoo on your hip begs me to stare.

Dare I speak of length and breadth,
Of hot and cold,
Of withered and wild?
I would give too much away.
And you?
You would stay until the sun peeks through the only window I have.

Your children know my best secrets.
And, now …
I know yours.