Jim Smith USA For Teachers Under NCLB We are the coolie class. We stand, halfway to our hams In night-soiled water. We are given rocks for seeds. We are told to grow rice. We are given air, heated air. We are told to make stars. We are the stable grooms Given a brush. We are told to make the horse Shine. We are given no hay for his belly. There is no test for hay. The master cannot see the hay In the horse’s belly. He wants to see the shine. He can show the shine to others Measure it against the sheen Of their horse’s coats. He can brag “see how My horse shines!” No matter that it has died Hungering for hay. We are the coolie class Paid with promises. The miracle is that we stay In the stable With starving horses. The greater miracle is That as we stand From our paddies We send out Stars. Copyright, Jim Smith. |