34 SCHOOL-SONG

I have to heed my teachers, And try to trust my school, And yet no less, through awkwardness, Infringe on every rule. Dim laws I may not understand I strive to keep—and break, Somehow. I see forbidden me Much that I want—and take Sometimes,—not meaning to do wrong, Nor meaning to deny Due weight to rules one ridicules Somewhat, yet lives thereby. If teachers could but recollect The lads they used to be, I think that all could half-recall, Somewhere, someone like me. (The lads they were! What looking-glass Shows me a lad to-day? With little learned, much half-discerned, I toil already gray). Yet honor, ruefully, the rule— All teachers must be sure That each mistake their pupils make Was never made before: And honor, tacitly, the rule— No pupil ever thrives Who questions Why? of laws whereby We lead our ordered lives. For we must heed our teachers, And try to trust our school, Until they teach the reason each Infringes every rule.