"i don’t have a compass", Kemlyn Tan Bappe

i am living my life in a quarantine
sometimes i complain that it’s less than pristine
what the hell? i have to live stream virtually
i am no pewdiepie nor h3h3
insecure a fish out of my element
slap snap out of it fool this is important
students you haven’t met are counting on you
dig where are your teachers who are your gurus

master desmond kon zhicheng-mingde reminds
open your eyes count blessings during these times
notice and name the amazing world around
peter johnston’s choice words new insights found
vinny vinesauce paper mario the origami king
be calm be funny be yourself take a swing
love means never saying you’re sorry that’s bs
i don’t want to live life covering my ass

students with disabilities thirty-two
teach geometry not an easy thing to do
instincts signal me to flee run and retreat
fight this urge be strong this challenge i must meet
social emotional learning is a must
students won’t engage until you have their trust
you are lovable valuable capable
this is the first thing i bring to the table

i am so grateful these kids give me a chance
clumsy i stumble as i learn how to dance
teaching geometry no compass protractor
stayed up all night online with geogebra
if they need extra help students are learning
email me i’ll set a time for zooming
one student tells me it’s hard to go to school
you’re right it is hard do you know what is cool

although you are by yourself you are at home
we’re a class you have me we are not alone
we are laughing we are crying through this mess
together we’ll learn to make it through this test