John Lawless Poet Free verse

What Will We Teach Them

36 pencils
only 4 with erasers
they belong to the smart kids
you know....the one's
who take no chances.

Scattered crayons
mostly broken by those
who claim the color as their own
pressing it deeply
into a lonely corner
of the page.

Rulers
most commonly used as drumsticks
or to resolve a pirates fate.

Maps of a world
outside the Ghetto gates
faraway places
to tantalize a waking mind
taunt adventurous feet.

Classroom windows
streaked with city soot
the creak of floors
long past arthritic pain.

New hands holding
the hope of old books.
Children - blank slates
unsullied minds
awaiting the beauty
of knowledge.

What Will We Teach Them?



1/28/2021

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Andrea Dietrich April 27, 2021 at 2:50 PM yeah, no kidding. I think the past two years have done less for the education of our kids than any other years since after WE were getting educated. The slums especially overlooked. It's all so sad. Congrats on your win. Your poem is one of my favorites.

Paula Goldsmith April 27, 2021 at 10:06 AM Congratulations on your win. A wonderful write. So True. If they would go back to years ago. Have a blessed day writing away.............

John Hamilton April 27, 2021 at 8:42 AM Enjoyed this write John very thought provoking and compelling, congrats on a win in my contest!

Frankii Fame March 5, 2021 at 11:36 PM I have added you as a favorite by following you, now that I have enjoyed 3... Keep on writing friend you are good at it. Great writing! Thanks for the smiles.

Sand Blown January 28, 2021 at 2:13 PM ....written like a teacher.....it would be a good idea to teach them 'turn off the tv.... its a fake reality we're supposed to buy.... andt that...that is not truth....scientific or otherwise.....now, off to the library'..... stans' sand