As my alarm wakes me,
I place my feet down and reach for the gas mask beside my pillow
to protect my tongue from the institution’s toxic fumes.

The words I once used to create change
now linger within flammable barrels and personnel who position themselves
at the supportive pillars beneath the bridges we are told not to burn.

It takes one decision to explode in the face of the educational architects –

Distrust fills the loosening atmosphere –

A professional biohazard.

We need to remove ourselves from the department’s ICU
and regain consciousness.

Students cannot breathe.

This time,
let us be the antidote to poisoned leadership
and treat the developmental harvest face-to-face.
With this,
my breath be still…
…leave me to make my words understood…
my mask, you are free…

…save someone else.

> BONUS <

Podcast on John Moist on AmeriCorps & Student Affairs