Teach

Thomas Hemminger

March 31, 2024

Teach kids to read, 

but don’t use those books. 

Teach them the maps, 

but don’t let them look. 

Teach kids to count,

use this new way.

Make them sit down and be silent all day. 

Teach kids to reason, 

but don’t use the Greeks, 

(The AC won’t work, 

just don’t think of the heat.) 

Teach kids to think, 

but not for themselves.

Teach them what we say-- not anyone else. 

Teach kids to feel, 

but not on their own. 

Teach them reactions 

we say they can show. 

Teach kids affection, 

just don’t get too close.

Remember, it’s test grades that matter the most. 

Teach them to write, 

but buy your own stuff.

We don’t buy supplies, 

we pay you enough. 

Inspire all the children! 

Kindle their flame! 

Oh! If they fail, it is YOU that we’ll blame. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas, as well as in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, The Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.