Daddy’s Sleeping Pills ~ Sometime in1977
There were to be several schools
And the writing on the walls
Proved to be clear
Every damned year
Because I broke all of the rules
I was a disruptive student
Some claimed over-exuberant
Often ignored
Increasingly bored
Resulting in actions imprudent
A Jewish school was the last
And there I had to learn fast
Stand on two feet
So no repeat
Of an intimidated past
I’d earned the new bully’s respect
As a hard core she was to detect
Territory ignored
She quickly thawed
And soon it was me she’d protect
The school loo’s a favourite location
We’d smoke fag and other temptation
Often caught short
Suspension a sport
An alternative education
The head appeared on my side
As she was soon to decide
I was easily led
And others instead
Were accelerating my ride
She would glare at every mate
Mixture of horror and hate
‘Mafia’ said
Face burning red
And her eyes would bulge and dilate
A younger version of she
Recognised in me
Misunderstood
She understood
And offered empathy
And when I was found in the library
Dad’s empty bottle beside me
She saved my soul
Gave me bolthole
Overnight that dark Friday
Stomach duly drained
Accusations I feigned
An attempt for attention
Was often a mention
Though not one the generous head claimed
She gave me a family night
With candles of comfort and light
And tucked me in bed
My kind-hearted head
Sharing a glimpse of delight
The following day I returned
With stomach overly churned
Full of despair
I hated it there
And dreaded the lecture I earned
Yes, housemother was waiting
And didn’t take time in berating
She shook her head
‘So you’re not dead’
Which needed no further translating
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