Poem

I wrote this poem last year about the time that Spring Break was approaching and my students were starting to make me bonkers. It's completely made up of things that my students actually had said recently. I took it to a writing group that I was part of, and they convinced me to submit it for publication in the Utah English Journal. So I did, and and they are going to publish it in the October journal. Huh. Go figure! And, yes, the last question was one student asking another if I had just said "hell" since I never swear in class... and the answer was yes. I did.

Higher Level Questioning

Why do we have to read?

Are we doing something fun today?

I was gone last time. Did we do anything important?

Are you sure you’re not having twins?

Why can’t we ever have a free day?

Can’t we just play games today?
Why do we have to play this stupid game? Can’t we just sit and talk?
Why do we have to stay in our seats while we talk? Can’t we move around?

Why isn’t my Math teacher making me do this UBSCT stuff?

This class sucks. I’m already a good reader.
I’m getting out of this class.
I hate my teacher this year. Can I get back into your class?

I have 29% in your class. Do you have some extra credit I can do?

Why do I have to sit in that seat?

You e-mailed my mom and I got in trouble.

It’s not important. I don’t think I should have to do it because it doesn’t matter.

I left it in my locker.
I left it in my car.
I left it at my mom’s house.
I left it in my binder, and I lost my binder.

Can I bring it next time?

What page are we on?
Where are we at?
What’s the question?

Why do you take away my phone? Are you prejudiced against Jews?

Did she just say “hell”?