"The Teacher," A Poetry Post

I wanted to teach your kid to read, but I had a benchmark test to give.
I knew he couldn't pass the test because he couldn't read it.
I wanted to teach your kid to read, but I had test prep. reqs to meet.
I knew he wouldn't use the skills; his mind could not conceive them since I
couldn't teach your kid to read.

The school is gauged by test scores. 
And if he doesn't minimally pass we all might
lose our jobs so
we are slaves to primitive needs.

If I take the time to make him better,
I'll be scored poorly on my assessment,
and I'll never be able to teach
again.