Photo Story: If I Could Buy Thoughts

I would give a penny to the student who sits in the back and looks down whenever they sense a question coming, not quite believing my syllabus-certified assertion that I do not call out names and force them into class participation. I would collect change and walk around with a piggybank, pulling out pennies for servers and cleaners and old men in corners and women with polite smiles and fiery eyes. I would toss coins to the stiff upper lips and the sit alones. I would pour pennies into my bathroom sink, stare into my reflection, and beg myself to speak.