Poet: Bernie Buchin The Write Place

Bernie Buchin penned this poem in 1933, but there are likely many students today who can relate to the "dreaming boy".

School Daze

When you're sitting at school, and the subjects a bore,

You think of the summer, and the briny sea-shore,

With hands on your chin, you sadly exclaim,

That going to school is a waste and a shame.

You gaze at the ceiling with dull, dreamy eyes,

Pretending above you are bright, sunny skies,

You slouch half asleep a-feeling so tired,

When suddenly at you a question is fired.

You ask for the question as you slowly rise,

You're very surprised as the teacher replies,

"Get down to the office, at once, sleepy head,

You ought to stay home, and lie in your bed."

You go to the office, with tired, lagging feet,

A-wishing you had not, dozed off in your seat,

Then into the office, you so slowly go,

You tell to the principal your tale of woe.

"My boy," he exclaims, "when a question is asked,

I think it is not a very big task,

To be all alert, and at full attention,

It's your first offense? One hour's detention."

With head bent so low you go to your room,

Thinking that life is full of black gloom,

Thinking the world is without any joy,

For an innocent, harmless, dreaming boy.

But, mark, in the end, school's not quite so bad,

And in days soon to come you will surely be glad,

That you came to your school and of lessons took heed,

For it helps you along when you’re badly in need.

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Poet: Bernie Buchin The Write Place

School Daze