He reentered my classroom
to visit, not learn.
He read to my students
from his volumes of experience
With ease and pride--

And then quickly left
To continue his life
free of academic restriction.
Beyond my door.

His premature release
into the curious unknown
left me asking myself
if I am stuck in where I am supposed to be.
If I am trapped in what I should be doing.

I shut out this doubt
and teach my students
to question.