While I was coaching an after-school basketball program with our students in our gym, I broke a small bone in my wrist.  I missed no work but had a few medical bills not covered.  I was denied workers’ comp because I had “volunteered” and because it was not a “school-sponsored” activity.

To my dearest Dick and Howard,
Please don’t think I’m just a coward;
please don’t think I’m just a shirker,
but a wiser, careful worker.
For I’ve learned I must be wary
as to all things voluntary.

I confess I wasn’t paid for
coaching kids who past school stayed for
playing center, forward, point guard,
when I hit my wrist’s first joint hard.
Then you asked what was my claim for,--
I, who should not walk the game floor.

Now I’ll need to be informin’
Bernie, Peter and our Norman,
so they seek my help on longer,
even though I‘m no less stronger.
I can’t help push back the bleachers,
‘cause it’s not a job for teachers.

In the lunchroom I’m not able
to just help them move a table.
Soon I fear I’ll find it noxious,
moving others’ heavy boxes.
Please don’t think these things don’t suit me.
It’s because they’re not my duty.

Even if I’m asked a favor,
I’ll say, “No, it’s not my labor.”
I’m not trying to be regal,
but to heed advice that’s legal:
Stick to contract obligation,
due to worker’s compensation.

And I’ll have to tell my colleagues
I can’t run the basketball leagues.
So next year I won’t teach dribbling
out of fear I’ll end up quibbling.
And instead of coaching students,
I’ll just teach them jurisprudence.

I have surely learned my lesson:
With your smile and with your blessin’,
I’ll no longer volunteer for
anything that I’m not here for.
Simply teaching won’t annoy me—
I’m your model new employee.