Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

Please Memorize Your Multiplication Table

No more spelling tests the principal said.
The teachers were confused. Why?
It is not fun. We only do things that entertain them now.

That was five years ago.
The eight year olds cannot spell.
During standardized tests they want us to tell them the words.

We are not allowed to do it.
They get angry.
They are not used to hearing no.

We ask them to memorize their multiplication tables.
They send their parents up to threaten a law suit.
We back down, showing them what to do next time.

The school system is failing the youngsters of today.
The parents are not requiring any chores.
Youth is crying out for direction and discipline.

Written 7-8-3021
Contest: Let Her Rip #3
Sponsor: John Lawless

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Shirley Hawkins July 10, 2021 at 12:56 AM The last three lines of the verse is seen in and out of school these days and it is very worrying... Great verse good luck in the contest Caren Caren Krutsinger July 10, 2021 at 12:59 AM It is very worrying Shirley; I am terrified for the youth of today. Many do not feel valued, because they are contributing nothing to their own families.

Andrew Fairchild July 9, 2021 at 12:05 AM Amen! Like in the Italian Renaissance, the poets need to step into the shadow of their conscience and remind us all who and what we need to be. Bravo! Well written! Caren Krutsinger July 9, 2021 at 3:44 AM Thank you Andrew

Gershon Wolf July 8, 2021 at 7:52 PM Yup. Make sure to teach 'em CRT. So the 7-year olds can start figuring out who to always hate. It IS 1984. :) gw Caren Krutsinger July 9, 2021 at 3:44 AM It is so sad

Darlene De Beaulieu July 8, 2021 at 11:17 AM Caren I doubt it. They need to go to school in the classroom. be with other students to learn from the teacher. this virus has ruined the children's education. Hugs Caren Krutsinger July 9, 2021 at 3:44 AM The school teacher's hands are tied now. The parents threaten lawsuits and they always get their own way over the teachers; so sad.

Darlene De Beaulieu July 8, 2021 at 11:13 AM Hello Caren, the schools have changed since the virus. With on line learning now, not all students are on line to learn. My two nephews do not go on line for lessons. Instead they play games on the computer all day. this is not healthy for the brain. I do not know if they will go to summer classes on the computer! Darlene De Beaulieu July 9, 2021 at 11:52 AM Hello Caren, oh that is so sad. Hugs Caren Krutsinger July 9, 2021 at 3:45 AM The virus has very little to do with it. You would be horrified at how we "dumb down" the curriculum now, expecting nothing.

L Milton Hankins July 8, 2021 at 8:26 AM Oh, I'm sure of this, Caren. I've said for a long time our educational system is in dire trouble until we turn the classroom back over to the teachers and stop taking directions from the Dept. of Education! Caren Krutsinger July 9, 2021 at 3:46 AM The parents squeak and yell and threaten, and the teachers never get backed up.