I hated the awkward classroomâŠ
set pieces to study and interpret,
collections of old words;
stuffy and unexciting
I flunked the mock literature examâŠ
parental payment withheld,
works of the greats untouched;
only language class remained
Roll on many yearsâŠ
experiences mounted, feelings rose,
language came to the foreâŠ
poetry spilled onto the page
Intermittent waters have passedâŠ
swirling seas ...