Those Certainly Were the Days

I remember when I was just a wee lad In school, I must’ve been 10 Teacher told me I did bad Opened his drawer, scowl on his mouth He pulled out a long, leather strap I was scared, I wanted my da Told me to hold out my hand I screamed “NO WAY” He grabbed my wrist His eyes demented I struggled, I screamed I didn’t want him to hurt me I wanted my ma My da To save me From this wild deranged beast I saw the long strap Being raised in the air My arm yanked forward I saw only his back Then the strap went down JESUS CHRIST The pain was raw Pins and needles He is trying to kill me I must survive I thump his back But the strap was raised again WHOOSH More pain, palm on fire Oh please mister, I’ll do anything you want Don’t hurt me again He let go of me He turned round The mad look was gone But still scared was I My hand felt burnt And pulsed with pain I was told to leave Eyes stinging with tears I left the room And with it my innocence And what did I learn? I learnt to hate!