Home School, a poem
A day in the life of a non-schooling, free-range homeschooler. A new poem from Ring Around the Basin.
What shall we do today? A page of math some spelling words write a report about yesterday’s drive to the country. A walk in the woods: what scat is that? Deer coyote bear raccoon tracks in dust leaves turn in autumn Why? Let’s look it up. Your father’s brewing beer want to help? what does the yeast do? does it rise like in bread? the hops...the malt? why wait so long? Why wait for anything when life is right outside the door like a gigantic smorgasbord some of this some of that seconds on that leave this for someone else. Those poor suckers trapped in school I can read any book I choose surf the Internet watch old movies do I have to watch the news? Can I ride my horse now? Go to the park? The museum? Art gallery? Can we go to the stream Watch eels shimmy in sand sit in the aspen grove where I can write my story talk to myself about my dreams and never hear some stupid boy call me fat!
photos by Sue Cauhape
In you enjoyed this poem, feel free to explore other poems, essays, and stories in the Ring Around the Basin Archive. I also love to read your comments, so please share your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation. And if you wish to support my writings, please consider subscribing or upgrading to a paid subscription. It’s now only $50/year.
Sue- I love the part of watching eels shimmy. A great visual! Hope you’re well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
I think home schooling usually is a bad substitute for public education. It deprives the student of socialization with larger groups and, from what I have witnessed personally, leaves the student with academic deficits. Of course, exceptions are always possible.