The Principal's Office Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When I was much younger and believed,
Everyone was honest, wholesome...
And kept with them integrity,
I accepted this without question.
And feared being interrogated,
By anyone I respected and knew had authority.

But today?
Children practice being devious.
And if probed to be scurtinized by someone too close,
Children today depend upon what they know most...
An innocence projected they know too well how to protect.
Even if it means a heat begins to wet them with sweat.

'A lie is only a lie told 'if' I am caught in the telling of one.
And no one, as of yet, can produce any evidence,
Of me telling lies.'

~Listen to me and carefully.
You've changed your statement at least three times.~

'And where is your evidence I had knowledge of doing it? '

~You have no integrity, discipline or respect.~

'And you have no proof of that, either.
Where are your witnesses?
All I am hearing from you is hearsay.'

~The 'next' time you are sent to the principal's office,
Your parents are going to be sitting with me, right here...
Waiting from you,
To give us all an explanation for your actions.~

'Good luck.
You care to put a little wager as to who sits with you,
Waiting with expectation for appearances.
Or would you like to consult my lawyer? '

~Out.
Get out of my office.~