The Teacher Said
In first grade the teacher said
What do you want to be?
I picked my paper up and read,
A mermaid in the sea.
In second grade the teacher wrote
What’s your dream today?
I stood up, looked at my note:
To be a bird and fly away.
In third grade the teacher smiles
What’s your heart saying?
I thought about it for a while
And said, “Maybe it’s praying.”
In fourth grade the teacher claimed
What’s going on in your head?
I looked around and thought of fame
A pop star, dressed in red.
In fifth grade the teacher spoke
What do you like to do?
I gave my new best friend a poke
And giggled, “Hey it’s up to you!”
In sixth grade the teacher stated
What’s your favorite subject?
I thought about what she had graded
“Math,” I said, “you loved my project!”
In seventh grade the teacher roared
What do your eyes see?
I see you and a chalkboard
A teacher, that was easy.
In eighth grade the teacher cried
You’re moving on, have you decided?
I shook my head and I sighed,
“I decide I’m undecided.”
In ninth grade the teacher quoted
“Life is wasted on living”
What would happen if I devoted
My life to only giving?
In tenth grade the teacher preached
Where do you see yourself?
I see myself where no one reaches
A husband to show me wealth.
In eleventh grade the teacher screamed
What don’t you understand!
Then suddenly, it lit and gleamed
And then I raised my hand…
“In twelfth grade the teacher will say
What do you want to be?
I’ll pick my paper up and read,
‘I just want to be me.’”