Thanksgiving weekend paean

whose works these are i think i know
i'll never get their names straight, though.
each little darling's such a dear—
i wish i didn't grade so slow!

i know their hearts are full of fear
as if their grades are something drear
or writing class were going to make
some awful difference in a year

in spite of all, still i take
the time to mark each dull mistake
although i really hope to keep
my focus in the meaning's wake

the load is onerous and deep
reams of paper in a heap
yet i have no time to weep—
just piles to grade before i sleep...