Office Hours

I am convinced that none of them will come;
Nor did I so, when I was as they are.
The thought of timely help is distant from
The minds of youth, as is the nearest star.
Tonight perhaps, or in the morning they
Spurred by a sudden need, will venture out
Sending the common email, starting "hey"
Announcing then their scintilla of doubt
Which had been eased, had they but come by now.
But it is rude, and quite unfair to ask
That they, who never learned or noticed how
Should use this time to elevate their task;
We did not lead them, so they did not drink.
We only teach them, but never to think.