Approximate reading time: 2 min
13/07/21
It’s been a bit of
an emotional day
I approached the headteacher
A little disgruntled to say
“I’m really upset
lunch was 15 minutes late”
(If I’m honest, I was exhausted
finding it hard to regulate)
Nursery and reception
have no morning break
For lunchtime, we are allocated
30 minutes to take
We have to do dinner duty
which is really not fair
It’s not a job that we’re paid for
(Let’s just be clear)
But they got rid of the dinner ladies
during lockdown
And that’s how it has stayed
from then until now
(I mean come on why pay others
when you can simply
Demand all your teachers
do the job for free?)
By the time I have finished
prepping for the afternoon
if I get 15 minutes for lunch
I’m normally over the moon
But today it seems
I was to have no lunch at all
I was mildly dysregulated
as I walked through the office door
My initial first attempts
to voice my concerns
As I approached other staff
All that was affirmed
Was the general consensus
which was one of resign
(Clearly, this is something
That happens all the time)
But I’m sorry it’s wrong
and so fundamentally flawed
I was conscious of the anger
gripping my jaw
If they can do without a break
Then that’s absolutely fine
but for me it’s crossing
A healthy boundary line
“I’m sorry”
I said
“I can’t go without lunch”
(I probably looked a little irritated
ready to punch)
The problem was sorted out
lunchtime extended by fifteen
But I still felt so pathetic
for being such a drama queen
I then listen to neurotic Angel
to her ferocious critique
“You are such an embarrassment”
She bitterly shrieked
I sent a message to the headteacher
I apologised for being short
I expressed my gratitude
And appreciation for her support
But as I write this now
I’m so conscious and aware
Of the shame and embarrassment
that lingers in despair
Sometimes I feel like
A bull in a China shop
Trying to clean crystal
without making a single drop
Always petrified people
will see straight through me
and decide I’m not worth
all the hassle they see