the task of education

words travel from me at the speed of light
pausing i have a moment just to stare
patterns change always at the edge of sight

i think about the words my students write
statements produced with very little care
words travel from me at the speed of light

upon young brains there has fallen a blight
they do not want to think nor to prepare
patterns change always at the edge of sight

i want their chances to be more than slight
speaking plain truth is something i must dare
words travel from me at the speed of light

it is the dullest thinking they're most bright
that angers me and makes me tug my hair
patterns change always at the edge of sight

still i must do those things i know are right
simply be honest and be always fair
words travel from me at the speed of light
patterns change always at the edge of sight