"I'm Retired" He Said

“I’m Retired” He Said

Earl Grey gin and grey hairs

Gave in that day to

Wonks and retards with words and

Their strongly worded letters.

I’ve got little heart left in this heart

Carry? Clearly not! Cordially step away

They say, seeing nothing I saw

Hop, help-defense, hear my feet

Fear them coming. Thumping,

Too old for jumping

Too many cursers, crabs, and caretakers

Run straight, stop, then stiffen

And take the charge

Coaching telling coddling parents

Please, let me coach, then they leave

Letting the learners permit steer—

Not swerving but jerking, jerking

Like the proud parents whose kids

Didn’t get enough playing time.

I began breathing bored of teaching

I faced the board and told them

I did everything, even evening the score

To make it even. Not enough, not soon enough

I don’t tell them to foul

But they foul anyway.