dead poets

The teacher, on the table, stood
(to some a block), a plank of wood
yet there stood a scribe with task
to feed those beyond mere reasoning

a calculated world we’re living in
with textbook teachings of the past
think, my friends – with majesty
within you is the test to see

dead poets, yet immortal ‘sons’
quiet though their presence be
more than words – they sing to me
and to those who live beyond

rip it out, lads – go on rip, rip some more
the man stands proud – his text decried
dismiss and you’ll be better for
forefathers land yours to refine

there’s one way forward and one way through
arise young men, well read and true
choose your course and wisely too
for poets dead live on in you.

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footnote: inspired by the movie, Dead Poets Society (1989) and the character of John Keating, played by the late Robin Williams (1951 - 2014).