What I Learned in School

When did books become so boring, history dull and math a chore?
Why is wisdom shown in scoring; no one’s learning anymore.

I know when the wall in Berlin fell, the value x when y is two,
But if you asked I couldn’t tell you why it matters that I do.

Since when was worth dependent on a letter marked in vibrant red?
The act of learning so resplendent, but time spent studying instead.

What sort of system stresses who what when, but rarely why,
When the values it addresses don’t help those who’d rather die?

My mind had shined with wonder when I learned my ABCs,
But now they’re just the symbols under my rubrics and grading keys.

Sometimes I wish I could recall a time when I had loved to learn,
Back when teachers taught it all and regulations weren’t so stern.

Surely there’s a simple way to cure our methods part by part.
We couldn’t change it in a day, but need to find a place to start.

I’m just sick of seeing schoolbags slumped on students’ solemn shoulders,
The joy extinguished as they drag along their heavy homework holders.

But in the end why should you listen to a word I have to say?
After all, it wasn’t written in Times New Roman anyway.