School Days

At school I must have been naive,
for I was told I must achieve.
Add up, subtract even divide,
equations, algebra must be tried,
Nouns, verbs I had to learn,
adjectives were my concern.
In French we should pronounce our ‘R’s’
By making gargling sounds that purrs!
In geography I learnt of places,
of different people with different faces.
In science the Bunsen Burner reigned,
‘twas Latin though I mostly feigned.
We had PE and sports of course,
but rugby I wanted to divorce,
where Neanderthals often preyed
on smaller boys just too afraid. 

Health and Safety didn’t figure,
in playground games revered with vigour.
Conker’s, marbles, a cricket ball,
never ever mattered at all.
We went to school in spite the weather,
wasn’t shut for snowfalls ever!
You ate your lunch despite the taste,
for we were not allowed to waste! 

Teachers parade in a black cape, 
to which there was just no escape.
Lining up where nothing’s spoken,
the fear meant no silence broken.
We enter class in silence thus
or *caned if you dare make a fuss.

I’m older now, in later years, 
I’m not deranged, I fought those fears.
I must admit I wouldn’t swap
my school days for this modern lot,
Where mobile phones now reign supreme,
No thanks I wouldn’t be that keen

* caned was a corporal punishment
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Adams Avatar
August 8, 2019 at 10:00 AM
this one brings back memories....i still hear the echo of knuckles crack when the nuns gave someone a ruler's whack ! I work within the school system and see the difference and think back...kids today lack respect that we had, teachers now dress down as students.... good write! :)
Thompson Avatar
August 8, 2019 at 10:15 AM
Thanks Sandra. I agree - no discipline these days. Our system had it faults for sure but we had respect. I think the teachers then were better too. No internet, you had to physically takes notes each lesson and rely on them for exams. Appreciate the comment. x
Wolf Avatar
August 7, 2019 at 9:56 PM
Yea! This is a great nostalgic write for all of us youngsters on the Soup... Did you ever have to stand in the corner with a Dunce Cap on? LOL. I'm proud to say that I never had to. But some of my best friends had to. Hard to imagine today. Thanks for the great memories, RT. Best wishes, Gershon
Thompson Avatar
August 8, 2019 at 4:34 AM
Never got the 'Dunce Hat' fortunately but the teachers did, in fact, make you stand in a corner. It was very Dickensian and cruel when I think back. There was a lot wrong with the system back then but we had discipline and respect at least, something which is sadly missing today. Best wishes Ron
Spilchuk Avatar
August 7, 2019 at 2:40 PM
Nostalgic & reminiscing. Those were fun days with lots of interaction: school assignments, play, participation & teachers who really cared about your grades. Clever write.
Thompson Avatar
August 7, 2019 at 4:38 PM
Totally agree, fun days and the teachers taught instead of relying on the internet. Many thanks for the comment Dennis. Appreciated!
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