EDUCATION IN AMERICA

EDUCATION IN AMERICA

The buildings are the same:
flag poles near the doors
posters on walls,
menus, announcements
occasional water fountains in the hall.

Stairs still echo
the small steps
made by students
when the bells ring
announcing change.

The mood now is somber;
banned books, Dr. Seuss, Fairy tales, Shel Silverstein.
stripped from library shelves
no longer offer
imagination and solace.

Computers hum
replacing blackboards, handouts,
shared talk, written lines;
challenging attention,
straining eyesight.

New additions to the curriculum
practice drills,
mock invasions
are dominant,
now spurring anxiety.

 A new instrument
replaces pencils
chalk
ballpoint pens...
the AR15.

The ink for common learning
Now is
Blood?