You don't see me
As I struggle.
Swimming
Against the stream
I must follow
Like a spawning Salmon
For my education.
.
Trying to fit
My square peg
Into your circular hole
Without destroying
Myself.
The nightly tears
Of frustration
And anger.
Of a blank page
Before me
To be marked
With red ink.
Your snide comments
Calling me:
"Lazy
Needs to apply
Their self
To the task
At hand."
Working harder
Then the other students
To finish
The assigned work.
Feeling betrayed
At the year end
Report card.
Bitter tears flowing
Upon seeing
Failure
For having
A learning disability.
Therisa © 2017
Author's note: In June 1977, my grade one teacher failed me, as a result of my various learning disabilities. Along with, 6 other students, in my class. Needless to say, her contract wasn't renewed, for the following year, by the local school board. Throughout my academic career, I have been, in and out, of special educational classes, due to various reasons (learning disabilities to the gifted program).
In Ontario, under provincial law, a school (whether, at the elementary or secondary level) can reject a transferring student's request for support, although, they have documented evidence when transferring, within the same school board. Regardless, of the fact, the learning assessment, was paid for, by the taxpayers of that same board. Never mind, if they are coming, from another school board.
