Chinese New Year

"And now Ms. Sei..."
Is sprayed dryly into a school microphone
Unenunciated and raspy it enters the classroom
Deafening middle school students

Back in the main office
Lit by green florescent light bars
She takes her place in front of a smiling orchestra
Who've been soundlessly tuning this whole time
Shes decked in black jeans and a black turtleneck
And is wrapped, as always, in her hello kitty apron.
The bold 50 something
Beaming with baton grasped
Heralds in bouncing rabbits
With traditional Chinese celebration music
Only found on Yo Yo Ma albums

The music is mostly static as it enters the classroom
At the head, a substitute stands bemused
Interrupted
Wide eyes searching left and right
For context and explanation

The students are not listening