Frightened, you looked at me
your prize, your student
a good study and agreeable, too
making good progress
Now pushed aside

From across the interstate of your desk
You stared, impotent
A decision from above, no choice
for me
or for you

Your mood slides down the *****
You panic: you must not feel bad
The brain must save itself from hurt
You say things, rationalizations
zoom through your brain and spurt
straight from your mouth
no censorship for my tender feelings

The next day
you are slumped in your power chair
glasses dripping off your nose
eyes stare vaguely at nothing
The pulsing electric screen
forgotten

The next day
your head in your hands
oblivious to your surroundings
Should I check your pulse?
I didn't want to offend

I was wrong
It wasn't cruelty
It was just a scared man
trying to save his own feelings