9
Open Letter to Students
By Jamie Reese
I see you child, you’re shaking.
Biting nails off your thumbs,
Teachers, principals, schools pacing-
Counting on you to perform
At the risk of becoming a failure.
You have my job in your hands
Your success determines my pay;
Your failure could hurt my family today.
You must pass this test;
Do better than your best!
Dismiss your pain and your pressures,
They’re less than this
Your confusion and secret pain-
Hide them in your shell!
There’s work to be done
- In endless testing, preparing for tests
No room for life,
No needs being met,
No hearts set ablaze.
Just pass this test;
Forget the rest!
Your mind ran away
In search of your soul,
Your dreams lost in the wind;
They aren’t meant for today.
Leave those thoughts be!
What is important is that you show growth.
So you must pass this test;
Forget the rest…
However,
Even if I am ineffective,
Because you didn’t make the mark;
Even if you don’t follow
The advice I impart;
Even if you don’t pass this test,
I know
You did your best.
You matter, you’re wise-
That’s all I can attest.
Forget the rest.