Sweetie, please do tell me,

What you learned today in school

Tell me that you've returned,

Full of morals, made anew

Did they speak about spelling and math?

Well, yes I assumed,

But what about Syria and Sudan?

No, of course, they’re not quite as grand

We neglect the cries of refugees,

Yet speak quite eloquently about Open Door Policy.

To be honest, my dear, you've lost my ear,

For my mind swarms and wonders

What did you learn here?

Not about how broken the world has become,

Just that it’s forbidden to chew gum.

What’s that I hear?

Another book banned,

A classic with words too fiery to be had.

That one was my favorite, I remember the prose

How unfortunate, but the class wouldn't care I suppose.

It’s diversity week?

How wonderful, dear, but do tell me

Have your teachers made it clear

That it does not matter if one is black or white?

Have they spoken about crimes done out of spite?

That book would have helped cement the lesson,

But it’s too controversial;

The board wouldn't listen.

Another test to study for, another night to be had

Oh, how I worry this school will drive you mad!

You're forehead wrinkles and your feet drag

Why pile more work?

You've become their stag

And yet you fret about days to come,

Where all that you’ve learned will be second to none

If all they value is perfect speech,

Then silence has poisoned opportunity.