Derangement in English Class
Madame Tara L. Smith
November 15, 2007
They ask to leave class…
To borrow a pen.
A book.
To return gym clothes and shoes.
That they borrowed from their brother.
They need to copy notes!
But how can they write without a pen?
They need to study!
But how can they study without books?
And they need to wear a uniform!
But there isn’t enough money to buy the uniform right now.
They need to do their homework!
But the lights went out last night, Madame.
They need to stay awake in class!
But she was awake all night taking care of her sick sister.
And he has a severe headache with no medicine to take for it.
They need to come to class on time!
But the rain has made the road that he walks for two hours worse than usual.
And she had to finish her chores before she left the house.
They need to come to class!
But she had to go to the fields to harvest food with her family.
And his brother died yesterday and he must help out with the funeral.
And there are more important things to pre-occupy their minds.
They need to have an education!
But they must survive first.
