Freedom in Knowledge

High school does nothing to prepare you for college

It just fills your head with lies and useless knowledge.

“One English, One Math, One History,” they say

“And add in One Science (it’s the one that’ll pay).

Take One Art and don’t forget One Physical Education

It’s the only way you’ll get any recreation.”

But why, but why? “But why,” the student asks

“Why are you giving such remedial tasks?

Why do I have to know so many subjects?

Why must all these credits I collect?

I don’t care about English, I don’t care about Math

I don’t care about the stupid Chinese Silk Path

“I don’t care about Science, I don’t care about Art

This diversity of subjects is tearing me apart!

My Physical Education is wholeheartedly dumb.

And it doesn’t work to make my mind less numb.

Why can’t I focus on one subject instead?

One that stimulates thought inside of my head?

“Why must I focus on this useless distortion

Of facts and figures and other diversions?”

If I could speak candidly to my School Board I’d say this:

“Don’t force to read textbooks or Oliver Twist,

Let me focus instead on something that interests me

And on this subject, I’ll be as smart as can be

“Let my mind flow freely and watch what it does

As my knowledge of something goes beyond and above.

This freedom, which I have now discovered in college,

Has further increased my pursuit of knowledge.

I’m more willing to pick up a book in my spare time,

Now that my education belongs to me, it’s only mine.”