You read your sonnets to indifferent ears
teacher, your passions are your own concern.
We come to this class intending to learn
a love of words that will last down the years.

So write your verses but leave them at home,
bestow a hunger for knowledge, curiosity,
impart wisdom wisely and impartially,
paint words multi coloured not monochrome.

We pupils are young and in no haste;
in time we will develop our own taste,
so do not impose your prejudices.
We admire the qualities your verse misses.
Scribble on then teacher, but earn your wage.
Your words ever lie dead upon the page.