Cup V: (But I Never Really Thought Everything Looked Worse in Black and White)

Tea: Ginger Peach with honey

Music: Paul Simon, "Kodachrome"

Time: Night.

"When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all ..." -Paul Simon

So today, dear Diary, I played teacher. Sort of. I sat in on a couple of senior Advanced Placement English classes and a fourth grade class at a local school. No, not at the same time.

Quite frankly, the prospect left me apprehensive. I know how to write, yes, but how to teach writing and critical reading? I pictured eyes glazing, rolling, looking out the window.

It wasn't so bad, even though the seniors were discussing Ralph Waldo Emerson instead of the Civil War book I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing. Most of the time was spent in observation, interjection and familiarization. Good minds, although I wish some of them would dig in deeper to defend their points of view.

The fourth graders were a lot of fun (and I went in more intimidated by them than by the high school kids). Lively imaginations, for the most part, and they all seemed eager to get in on the story improvisation section.

So, I've been invited back. And I'll be going back. But don't start calling me "Sir" just yet.