Learnin’ Nothin’

Learn’n Nothin’

My teacher handed me a book. 

I asked, “What do I need this for?”

My teacher smiled and just said “reading”

But, I tossed it on the floor

My teacher handed me a pencil

I asked, “What do I need this for?”

My teacher smiled and just said “writing”

But, I tossed it on the floor

My teacher handed me some paper

I asked, “What do I need this for?”

My teacher smiled and said “you’ll be greater”

But, I tossed it on the floor

 “What did you learn at school today?” my mom had asked me twice.

“Nothin”, I replied to her then kissed her cheek real nice. 

I thought about what I had said and about my pride

I turned to go and felt ashamed because I could’ve tried

I think back on my day and how my teacher is always there. 

I wonder where things went wrong and why I just don’t care. 

I go to school and see my friends who really like to play

Instead of learning seriously all throughout the day. 

I wonder where I’ll be next year or even 10 or 12. 

How will I one day live my life or will I go to jail? 

I wonder what would happen if I take a book from the shelf. 

Reading can be so tedious I often think to myself.

What will I accomplish, what will I gain, how can my life improve?

How will reading make me smart and put me in the groove?

My thoughts are jumbled, and I’m tired of trying to get by. 

The day will come when I’m on my own, but how will I survive? 

Tomorrow when I go to school, I’ll take the book that’s given. 

I’ll open up and read the words so I can make a livin’.

I’ll ask for help in front of those who think that they don’t need it. 

My mom will be proud and so will I because I am learning something!