I was forced to repeat Preschool Because I was behind I was forced to speak Because I didn’t know how I was forced to go to school Because society said so I was forced see a psychiatrist For reasons I didn’t know I was forced to Change school Because the former wanted me to fail I was forced to Learn But I couldn’t understand I was forced to change school again But they couldn’t teach me I was forced to repeat the fourth grade Because I had to change schools I was forced to go to Virginia Because they could help I was forced to stay an extra year Because I wasn’t ready I was forced to go to Connecticut Because I had to graduate I was forced to go to college Because I got in I was forced For 18 years to read and write I’m used to be forced but now I have a choice To think and speak the way I chose
7/18. This poem was part of a performance protest. During class I held a sign with this poem written on it sat in front of the doorway of the classroom formally protesting the school structure and bringing awareness to the hardship that I faced because of my dyslexia.