School

©1993 Andrew Calhoun, unreleased

They gave them spoons to play with
They gave them pencils to dig with
They gave them clay to eat for lunch
And mud to wash their faces first

We gave them a book about a white boy
A rag-haired doll and a smily face pull toy
A real live hamster, a jar full of bubble joy
At quiet time we can hear the expressway

We teach them isn't instead of ain't
Give them paper and fingerpaint
We bring the patience of a saint
in a thicker skin to bear the weight

We need more money for the program
Governor and congress don't really give a damn
For the lives we lead and the mess we're in
Flowers don't bloom on words of discipline

We pray unto the Lord above
The gangs don't spill these children's blood
Don't let the pipes burst, don't let the fever cut
The welfare lifeline to mother love