I’ve been a teacher many years

respected by my little dears.

I spared no effort – day and night –

so that my pupils would be bright.

Then suddenly – I looked with fear –

there was this newfangled idea

of modern comprehensive schools

where pupils seem to know no rules.

They shriek and scream and also shout

while others hop and jump about.

They treat their teachers like mere shit

and constantly get on their tit.

Oh pardon me,  I’ve lost control!

I had to pay a heavy toll:

with every year of my poor fate

my language did deteriorate.

                        * * * 

                                             (October 1995)