OK Teacher
I will take this punishment
But you should know
You have created a monster
Before you created these rules
I was okay
But all that has changed
Because you have created a monster
These rules that you have
Are the exact reason why I'm quiet
Shy
A perfectionist
Because I'm scared that if I breathe
I'll be punished
Because I'm sacred that if I'm funny
I'll be punished
And now all I am is scared
I don't breathe in your class
I don't laugh in your class
I sit in silence
Look at nothing
Say nothing
Because you have created a monster
This used to be my favorite class
Even besides my passion: band
Because I knew I would be OK
I knew that I didn't have to be perfect
Because I understood
I knew I would be happy
Because I had friends
And I knew that I had a purpose
Because I could help others
And now I feel like a waste of space
I question whether it's worth it
I put even more pressure on myself
Because you have created a monster
All you are doing is preparing us
For factories
Not CEOs
You tell us to
Change the world
When all u do is train us to
Raise our hand to speak
And ask for permission for anything
This is not how life is supposed to be
Life is supposed to be about creativity
But how can we have creativity
When all you do is shut us down
We can't have creativity
And we can't have a good future
Because you have created a monster
There are other ways to discipline
But don't hurt those who are good
Use rewards
Use an assistant
Make class fun
So that students want to learn
Strike the heart of students
But you can't do any of this
Because you have created a monster
So Teacher I accept this punishment
But you will never hear from me
Again
I will sit right here
In my straight row
In the corner
Do my work
And say nothing
No more hellos and laughter
To you and to others
Because I'm too afraid
And while I sit here
Finished before everyone else
I will hear the groans of my friends Who need help
But I can't help them
And I will know that I am just a waste Of space
Because you have created a monster
A monster of us
