NOT A PROPER STUDENT
on Sabo -Oke (Nigeria), 31/Jan/2011 15:22, 34 days ago
I wrote this poem following a lesson where I heard this said to a pupil.You say I’m not a proper student -Not a proper student, you say,Though I rise with the cockerel at first light of dayAnd must trek for an hour my hot, dusty wayBut arrive there on time– the same time as you.I’m not a proper student, you say -But wear my uniform with prideAnd from the hardest work never hideKnowing within me I’ve always triedAnd when you ask me, I always clap you!So, I’m not a proper studentThough I copy from the chalkboard all day longRisking a beating if I get anything wrongBut it’s hot in here, man – the sun, so strongIt can steal your thoughts from you.Not a proper studentYet absence, I have noneAnd the homework you set me is always doneThough outside I could have been having more fun–Does my commitment mean nothing to you?Not a proper studentCause I don’t answer your questionsPerhaps I’m afraid of your wicked stickThat meets every fault with a whackSafer to say nothing to you.Not a proper student?With these windows of distractionFlies and goats and pupils whose class is out of action–Their teacher not in today– what should be my reactionContinue with my studies? Could you?So to be a proper studentMust I squat on furniture, splintered and broken,Show some interest but gain only a tokenOf recognition, be in no way outspokenNor question what’s false and what’s true?And if I seem to be not a proper studentPerhaps my tiredness is catching up with meFrom minding my sisters late into the nightFrom doing the chores from first break of lightFrom straining to see with imperfect sightUnsure if my future is cloudy or brightIf dreams that I hold could come true.If I’m not a proper studentThen why would I careThat my progress is slow even when you are there,My books fall apart from sheer wear and tearI want to think for myself but opportunities are rareI want more of your time but you have none to spareSo frustrated I could tear out my hair–I want to shout out, but I simply don’t dareSo, I do what I can with what I’ve got -  like youAnd, just like you, I’m still there!Lea Knowles