Guilt hangs heavy
over dusty limbs
pounding out their penance
like so many who came before.
clap
clap
clap
Staccato beats emanate,
each more determined than the last,
accompanied by primal grunts--
halted only by a choking cough.
clap
clap
clap
Powdery plumes escape,
drawn by distant laughter
from innocents frolicking
upon the schoolyard.
clap
clap
clap
Sideways glances challenge
the black hand creeping
creeping round the face
of the classroom clock.
clap
clap
clap
Caught and punished--
his crime reduced
to chalk dust on Formica.
clap
clap
clap
A contest entry
- Chalk by J.J. Sass.
450 points, ended August 12, 2007, 16 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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I always thought this form of punishment was so cruel lol, but still funny.
Thanks for entering this.
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Well done!
Excellent moody imagery. Cleaning the dusters.. gosh, I'd forgotten that one! At least more constructive than writing out "I must not (whatever)" 100 times 
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So many images - detention, perchance? Innocents frolic, while the penitent raises dust. Well done, good luck!
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YES!
I was not sure if people were familiar with this particular form of juvenile punishment.
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