The Birth of Texas
by Rachel Jennings


Held captive in the teachers' lounge
(bent over books before class),
I listen to the angry
Republican youngster demand
free speech; manifest, it seems,
in asserting distaste
for the likes of me--elitist, dictatorial,
politically correct,
and all that.

Or perhaps it's not me he addresses,
but posterity itself,
for no questions are asked, no reply expected
beyond my cowed slump.

Discourteous, showing no respect,
perhaps he lacks mentors, even parents who care,
so I tell myself he is a victim--to be pitied--
and I think sadly of his students, cowed captives,
caught like cucarachas under his boot

as books are opened, and
he proclaims Texas to be free.






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