For Addison County Teachers and Staff
Nothing like the principal seeing you again,
after so many months, walking down
our school’s stairs. Looking up
and saying “You look beautiful.”
As if we had been prepping,
putting on make-up, in between
classes, in our home rooms.
And not, actually at home, teaching
a screen-full of children.
Telling a few to sit back,
they don’t have to be this close
to the screen. Don’t have to shout,
when they think no one’s listening.
Strange, isn’t it, to think each day
we’re getting through this?
We’re still beautiful. At the same time

remembering Our Lady
of the Sign-in Book, a church
unto herself. In the office. 
And the custodian.
We can say building engineer
instead. Together with
the sharp-looking cop,
who welcomes us.
As if we were stepping into 
a ballroom. Its dance floor 
and chandeliers.
As if the principal was taking
our hands.
Escorting us back
to the break room.
Where all the supplies have been
covered and kept.

— Gary Margolis