Watching how the arrow runs

across the face

as though in haste

i wonder how i let my life

reduce to this

was i remiss

in how i hastened to pursue

my first degree

in history

studying to learn more still

the PhD

I did agree…to earn

struggled through the twists and turns

taught classes 3

in sociology

published twice in AJS

prepped 2 new courses

on social forces

crossed the stage in tam and hood

the family cheered

i knew they would

took my first job as a professor

assistant level

bottom ladder

worked my load teaching intro

advised my studnets

acted with prudence

presented papers across the land

on social problems

and harms that cause ’em

once 6 whole years had gone and come

applied for tenure

denied i tell ya

contested my colleagues final vote

all turned their backs

found no support

4 years of college; 6 years grad

2 year post-doc

5 years post-hoc

1 year to build my package true

my stuff was tight

to my delight

and still i fell.

so when i fail to bend my knee

and bow to the Academy

please excuse this humble peasant mind

cutbacks ‘cross the entire nation

lost my job

can’t help but sob

one final thing i’ve yet to do

it must be done

it might be fun

for Justice to rest easy post

someone must atone

my loss

the educated fool must learn

respect’s not won

it must be earned

hear my tale of consternation

salvation’s lost in education