THE OPENING ADDRESS OF A SCHOOL
TEACHER (My Sister) TO HER SPOILED CLASS

Now listen you young folks, I've been told
That your conduct here has been quite bold.
I've been hired by the town school board
And what I say won't be ignored.
My job is to straighten out you chumps
And pound some know in your knowledge bumps.
The first to offer a smart wise crack
I'll lift his scalp or break his back.
And none of your stupid silly looks
I want your nose in the study books.
With lots of silence and little noise
I'm the Mother of four good boys.
And I won't take sass from any kid
You'll know what I mean if I blow my lid.
Now get it straight while it's school time
Your souls are yours but your hides are mine.
So don't get gay or I'll stand you tall
With your nose in the paint against the wall.
And now dear children my speech is through
If you're nice to me I'll be nice to you.
Get out your work and we'll all pitch in
And this battle of books we'll try to win.

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