As a going away present, the staff presented me with the following poem, framed:

Brandon

vivacious, weirdo, funny, fearless, crazy

lover of music, dance, song and chismoso

who feels more than anyone realizes

who needs gobs of attention

who fears mono [sic]

who gives a shit and unsolicited good advice

who would like to conquer the world using witty reparte [sic]

resident of a special place in the heart of The New America School

Payne

Meh. It feels obligatory and left-handed. I can almost tell where each word of this poem by committee originates. At least they meant well.

So, this is awkward. I got a facebook request from a former student. I was really surprised that, of all students, it should be this one. I can't remember speaking three words directly to him, and didn't even think he liked my class.

Even more surprising, he just IMed me to say "Mr. Payne, how's it going?" This guy? How odd. Anyway, he's a nice enough kid, so I struck up a conversation with him--just shit-chat--and then he logged off suddenly.

Intrigued by this interaction, I looked at his wall, and here's what I found:

Anthony Bombard Yesterday was beast

19 December 2009 at 13:02 via Facebook for iPhone · Comment ·

Joseph Ortiz likes this.

Eric Wagner

what u do yesterday

19 December 2009 at 13:04

Joseph Ortiz

it was amazing

19 December 2009 at 13:05

Calvin James Meneese

that was the day anthony first kissed a boy... now he loves it.... awwwww!

21 December 2009 at 23:02

Anthony Bombard

U dick

21 December 2009 at 23:36

It sure seems like the kid looked me up because I was the only gay person he knows, and maybe needs somebody to talk to. He probably got scared and logged off. I SO know where he's at. The only thing I wonder is whether to send him an innocuous message to the effect that "Hey, if you need somebody to talk to, it's totally safe and confidential to ask me any questions you might have." I think I'll wait and see if he contacts me again. I don't want to seem creepy.