I am the English master


I'm in the stuffy class-room
And I'm the teacher there
But now the seats are empty
Like nests made by a mare

Sometimes- I think - I'm doing
Not quite so very bad
All Masters after all are
Just a trifle mad

I teach - so it will happen -
More than I know myself
The dictionary helps me
Two volumes on the shelf

I am the English Master
- Which proves this poem best -
I spice my lessons sometimes
With condescending jest

I am a quiet nightmare
Not frightful - only sad
I am the English Master
And only slightly mad.

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lyrics: Jan Hanlo (1912-1969), Poems
arranged by P.J. Mulder, (Smalts)
from the album: Nevelglans