outside educational walls

outside educational walls

 

 

 

the door is locked

students mill and mumble

and scatter in shattered whisper

 

the teacher arrives in worn garb

with yellow notes and grizzled stubble

ready to spew his rubble

 

he has the key

but keeps it in his pocket

a young girl plays with her locket

watching the clock

 

deprived but disciplined

the class weeps in silent reverence

at the instructor's display

 

Whiteboard evidence

of an iota of retention

books shut fast

as the hour approaches

 

cell phones switch back on

feet shuffle quickly

through the passageway

 

from the possibilities of learning, wasted

barely tasted

a door still locked

always locked

 

with indifference.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

8/27/23

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Outside educational walls? Your words are brilliantly put, jacob, but, perhaps, whispered into the air because the job is to follow a given curriculum with youngsters who only want to learn what they want to know because they don't know what learning means. Your post implies that, 'could be resigned to teaching an empty wall where and how to hang pictures is not always the finest employment. .

From the possibilities of learning, wasted
barely tasted
a door still locked
always locked

with indifference.'

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, em.
j.

[Stella Armour]

Took me back too Jacob, i was very disruptive at school and so they decided it was because i was bored and moved me up to grammar school, that was even worse i had no friends then so .... i was even more disruptive and bunked off at every opportunity..... if only my parents had given me better guidance ... maybe i would have understood how lucky i was to be at grammar school .
I still think parental guidance matters in these formative years, its no good blaming teachers or the establishment ... we are far too soft when it comes to discipline of young minds.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

It does matter, Stella...mine were pretty strict, but I am glad of that now.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

If a teacher can hold the attention of a class for a whole hour, I consider he has done well. Too many distractions these days. Some students have far more interest in their cell phones and out of class activities. It must be so disappointing to have students who are indifferent to learning. Wasted opportunities. Sadly you can provide opportunity but that doesn’t mean it will be welcomed with open arms. This isn’t something new, it has aways been that way.

Indifference is a curse. It must hurt both teacher and student. Maybe later on in life they will wish they had paid more attention to their education, both inside and outside of school.

Then there are the students who hang on every word and want to explore more and more. What a blessing they are if they have a passion for learning.

You took me back to school J. I was sat there trying my utmost to listen intently while the boys behind me were flicking paper planes round the room behind teacher’s back, and that was a grammar school. I travelled well with this poem.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Those paper airplanes could really fly...and quietly.
Thank you for your kind review, Chris.
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Jacob... my granddaughter is a Junior in high school this year... her classes begin tomorrow Monday. She is enrolled in an Enterpreneourship program here in Virginia. Businesses have contributed a substantial amount of funds to this Program. It is a wonderful example of the Spirit of the people in the midst of so much Confusion. The Will of the People is still Strong. I always thrive on your Poetic verses of awareness. Be Brave and Believe. gently, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

We have to believe we have a purpose; otherwise, what are we here for?
thanks, Pat,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

We are here to be humble, but brilliant about everyday things... Classes begin and Brains are on Alert... helping others to harness possibilities. The golden Key will open the Lock. Pat