Education

They take our visions                

and strap them into a line

to face the squad.

you must be on time,

where they box your soul

in concrete and glass.

Be a good little one,

follow these orders

and you can run at the bell.

Whatever your dreams

they will jar them for you and,

pickled, you can look at them,

and shake the glass, if you're good.

Reviews

[Valentine]

Having been a teacher before illness stopped me, I might resemble some of your remarks. [smiling] Valentine

[Mark]

I've had great teachers and bad teachers. I wasn't writing about individuals though, but the system and what behavior it teaches us, molds us into. How we should spend our lives. Get a good education, get a good job... We're taught to be on time, always show up, follow the rules, and make as few mistakes as possible. This prepares us for a job, not life.

[Mary]

truth! often, a "good" education can be the great destroyer of deep learning and creativity! Reminds me of the old Paul Simon song"when I look back on all the crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all!" Excellent write! As a former teacher, let me be the first to admit I have squelched my share of souls and I truly regret that. Your words are powerful and hit the mark!

[LadyAnn68]

Like the concept but not the title...but good write and read...

[Mark]

but.... the concept IS the title. LOL

[megha vaishnav]

awesome read...specially the last part of it is amazing.
Whatever your dreams
they will jar them for you and,
pickled, you can look at them,

and shake the glass, if you're good.

[Stanley Wilson]

love it great work Mark. Liked your spin on it :)

[deleted]

Your thoughts are expressed in an excellent way. Just curious, did you have a bad experience during your childhood?

[Mark]

Not at all. I was a quiet child (mostly) but it was as idyllic an experience as can be.

[deleted]

Education is good for some but not all. I am thankful for educated doctors but it doesn't take much learning to be successful in many things. Determination is stronger.

[Pryde Foltz]

When education is slow closely tied to the limitation, and it is the limitation of funding , the results are as limiting as you so finely express with this metaphoric write.

[TL Boehm]

wow. it speaks of jail...of incarceration...of execution. Well penned.

[Zahra]

Wow thought provoking and well put. amazimg

[s y e]

Ah my boy has grown up!! You make mama so proud. :) I loved this one, so good to see you writing again -- unless I have gone MIA from you or whatever... I am sorry, mama is here!! -- I loved this one. Perfection.

[Mark]

Mama is here? Hahaha you give me smiles and smiles young lady! Thanks for stopping by.

[s y e]

Yep, she is right here. Always in your heart. :)