Criticized.

What’s the point of even speaking?

Focus on breathing.

Teacher’s eyes seek out mine.

Keep my head down.

But I can’t hide.

My opinion is asked,

But it isn’t my opinion wanted.

Cheeks flush with red.

Why did I even get out of bed?

Teacher continues to talk,

Pointing out my flawed thought.

How can we expect children to learn,

With their heads down

Eyes closed

Afraid of being told “you’re wrong”

Because their ideas don’t fit a school district’s plan.

Because their thoughts are different than The Man.

Teachers need to think outside the box

Or

Get used to children with their head down

Faces flushed

Imaginations crushed

All because they were wrongly,

Criticized.