The Caretaker

Army salesmen are circling the school, calling
to the children like sirens gripping their ankles.
I cast my arms wide like a weighted fishing net
and gather them in, splashing with excitement.

Carrier bags throb like jellyfish in the hedges,
chairs, lockers, float in a stew down the corridor
I hold my breath, dive under the desks, trousers
mushrooming, grappling for the youngest.

I tug them to the surface, where they emerge
eyes blinking. Then, deck creaking
I slop them down, today’s catch steaming.
Stay there, I say, wait, treading water.