National Poetry Month: April 21st

Art & Craft by Robin Coste Lewis

I would figure out all the right answers
first, then gently mark a few of them wrong.
If a quiz had ten problems, I’d cancel
out one. When it had twenty, I’d bite my tongue

then leave at least two questions blank: _____ _______ .
A B was good, but an A was too good.
They’d kick your ass, call your big sister
slow, then stare over your desk, as if you’d

snaked out of a different hole. Knowing
taught me – quickly – to spell community
more honestly: l-o-n-e-l-y.
During Arts and Crafts, when Miss Larson allowed

the scissors out, I’d sneak a pair, then cut
my hair to stop me from growing too long.

This poem was selected by Heather R. (Adult Services Librarian)

Poetry Copyright Notice