Parent-Teacher Staredown

Yes, hello, how are you, good to meet you, shake hands, sit down.
Smile, even if you don't like their kid
Even if you're tired
Or have a headache
Or have better things to do
Smile
Keep smiling
Fake it if you have to
And you definitely have to most of the time
Make small talk
Of course you're no good at it
Just do it anyway
That's what the mommies and daddies pay for
Do they hate this as much as we do
They should.

The kids you like the best
You have nothing to say about
How many synonyms can there be for "fine"
You use them all and then some
The ones you have something to say about
The ones with "room to grow"
Shooting themselves in the foot in every class
Are never the kids you like the best
Their parents are the ones about whom you say
"Oh, now I get it
That's their problem."
And you smile
Smile because you have to
Smile
Because vacation begins on Saturday at 3