CONTEMPORARy AND LITERARY FICTION, SOCIAL COMMENTARY

The System Sings Off-Key

The Hummingbird’s Song: A Teacher’s Fight for Emotional Freedom

Principal Lynch’s office always felt like a mausoleum to Ms. Hummingbird, the beige walls sucking the joy from the air, the faint scent of industrial cleaner clinging to the stillness. She tugged at her leopard print skirt, less to smooth a wrinkle, and more to ground herself. Principal Lynch’s practiced clearing of his throat sounded like a countdown in her ears.

“Ms. Hummingbird, your commitment has been invaluable,” he began. “But… certain reservations have been brought forward about your approach.”

Her stomach tightened…They’d turn those moments of joy into evidence against her. The psychology class, where “Let it Flow” drifted through the air as they analyzed emotional self-management. The music students lost in the rhythm of “Roar” – Marcus’ restless tapping fading, Emily’s hair tossed back as she sang, a rare flash of her smile.

“Sir,” her defense was a touch sharper than usual, “connecting with students emotionally, that’s the key to their success!”

Principal Lynch’s hand was raised in a gesture of calm – or was it dismissal? “Ms. Hummingbird, while emotional well-being is important, the state-mandated curriculum is our roadmap. It’s not what we’re directly evaluated on.”

That familiar ball of fire sparked in her gut. It was an endless war – test scores and metrics versus the kids in her class who were so much more than potential data points.

“But Principal Lynch, the pressure they’re under! They need ways to cope!” Her raised voice hinted at her building tension.

He offered a weary nod. “Perhaps… a more controlled approach? School-approved mindfulness techniques? And music… history and theory are essential.”

The fight ebbed out of her. She pictured the empty hotel room, the nights fueled by takeout and lesson plans. This paycheck, thin as it was, was a lifeline. Now was not the time to fight.

“Of course, Principal Lynch. I’ll adjust,” she muttered.

As she left, it felt like a chord had been cut short. She knew her students deserved more, but the system was unyielding. In her music room, her fingers found the keys, and Jennifer Lopez’s “Hummingbird” filled the air.

“I just wanna be the wings to help you fly, ‘Cuz you help me be the best version of me…”

Outside the window, a flash of green and red zipped by – a hummingbird echoing the energetic beat. For a moment, the music lifted her spirits.

KourtneyNicoleWrites a name that ignites – a writer’s soul where creativity takes flight. With pen in hand, she weaves words so fine, crafting stories and verses like a hummingbird’s rhyme. Copyright © 2024 KourtneyNicoleWrites™ All Rights Reserved.