Poems Of Plenty

School systems

Stand up, they say
For you and your friends.
Stand up, they say
You won't get in trouble.

They all lie, I say
But no one believes.
They all lie, I say
And I am punished.

Believe me, I say
But they do not listen.
Believe me, I say
I'm told not to talk back.

Hear me out, I say
I'm told that's enough.
Hear me out, I say
I am not heard.

I shut my mouth one day,
They all ask what's wrong.
I shut my mouth one day,
I bottle my emotions.

I've had enough, I yell
They tell me calm down.
I've had enough, I yell
Again I am punished.

Speak up, they said
It's the right thing to do.
Speak up, they said
Yet we still get punished.

I did what they asked,
It's not good enough.
I did what they asked,
I am in trouble.

I'm sick of this school,
So don't be a hypocrite.
I'm sick of this school,
Do as you say.

Teach us with example,
Not just with words.
Teach us to take chances,
And do things ourself.