Patrick Widdess (5.20.07)

From The Back Row

I'm a bad one,
sitting in the back row
tapping my feet, never pay attention.
I look a mess, empty head, mouth full of gum,
big cock scrawled across my face squirting Tippex cum.

I wasn't always bad.
I started with a good finish,
sturdy legs and noiseless joints.
But they beat me every day
thumped my head, kicked my butt,
threw rubbish in my gut.

I've got lines all over, not from age
but compass points, biros and magic maarker pens.
A roll call of lovers and losers,
doodles and dirty words.

I do know Pythagoras' law
and the dates of two world wars,
etched near my feet
by some hapless exam cheat.
With a chance I'd do better
but I'm stuck back here ignored.

Forever in the first grade,
I'll never graduate.
Always in detention
at least I'm never late.

I'm a bad one,
sitting in the back row
tapping my feet, never pay attention.
I look a mess, empty head, mouth full of gum,
big cock scrawled across my face squirting Tippex cum.