In the realm of distance learning,
There was a computer
And a Zoom
And awkwardness
When silence fell over breakout rooms.
And there were three naps during history
And two classes a week
And two empty buildings on Davenport Street
Waiting for classmates freshmen never got to meet.
And then we went in person, because school always starts in November.
The people in the other cohort’s names, I can’t remember.
And no open campus or talking at lunch,
And a teacher watching us on Zoom who was whispering “hush.”
Goodnight Zoom,
Goodnight breakout room,
Goodnight naps during my favorite class,
Goodnight empty buildings on Davenport Street
And the freshmen that I’ve yet to meet.
Goodnight learning remote,
Goodnight sore throat,
Goodnight six-feet distance,
And goodnight viral resistance.
Goodnight quarantine,
And goodnight share screen.
Goodnight poor connection,
And goodnight cohort section.
Goodnight closed campus,
And goodnight masks.
Goodnight seniors, skipping class.
Goodnight silent lunch,
And goodnight to teachers whispering “hush.”
Goodnight being left in the waiting room,
Goodnight virtual campus,
Goodnight Zoom.
Inspired by Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.