School Poem by Jack Ashenden

Classes of thirty, classes of forty -
distressed teachers moaning in true despair.
While the headmaster plans a grand sortie
children scream - throwing their books in the air.

'Bring back the cane! ' demand a red-faced past
disgusted at the apathy of youth.
But none are prepared for the real task -
beyond the demonised child, facing the truth.

Low unemployment a falsified calm,
as social deprivation runs unchecked.
Equality the needed healing balm
for quality of life in youth is wrecked.

Surely equality already exists?
That view modern democracy's darkest twist.