When I Say "Teacher"

Inspired by a section of "Whereas" a poem by Layli Long Soldier

Whereas...

I am a teacher and it
currently brings pity
from the masses when
I say I teach, the reply
is "You're so underpaid,"

but no will or action to
change it, just an
acknowledgement that
here is the fact, like

clouds form in the sky
and mountains will erode,
we have no control,
no say in it.

Yet...

when I say

"I'm a teacher"

I'm speaking of a spiritual and soul practice
that makes me
want

to

live

forever.