GRADE ONE PRIMARY Poem by Ali Eckermann

I'm sitting up the tree today
And I'm NOT getting down!
I don't feel safe at school no more
Just 'cos my skin is brown.

If I sit here overnight
Will I turn into a bird?
So I can fly away from here
And all the nasty words

'Cos it's no fun being different
Where do I fit in?
Some kids at school are nasty
And their words have such a sting.

You half caste dog, you coon, you boong,
You stinking bloody abo,
I don't know what these words mean -
I know they hurt me like an arrow.

I asked my teacher to explain
And she just slapped me hard
And then when it was lunchtime
I was pushed over in the yard.

So now I'm sitting up the tree
I'll hide from everyone.
I don't understand this place -
I'm only in Grade One.