Sandra Alcosser

PAPERS

On the great estate her Great
Aunt said stay until you grade
Those papers. One student exclaimed
She loved Sham pain .

On hands and knees
The maid asked how’s teaching ?

Fine, if not for papers.

That’s why I quit said the maid
Testing polish on worn parquet.

Upon his death bed, to ease
His parents, Gerard Manley Hopkins said at least
There will be no more student papers to read.

And then — I am so happy.
I am so happy. I am so happy.

Author: Sandra Alcosser

Sandra Alcosser ‘s poems have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Paris Review, Ploughshares,  Poetry  and the Pushcart Prize Anthology. Her books of poetry, A FISH TO FEED ALL HUNGER and EXCEPT BY NATURE,  received the highest honors from National Poetry Series, Academy of American Poets and Associated Writing Programs. She founded and directs SDSU’s MFA each fall and serves on the graduate faculty of Pacific University.

Plume: Issue #46 April 2015