D.E.R.is one of the poems under consideration for inclusion in my poetry anthology ‘What the Camera Can’t Capture’. Your feedback would be appreciated.

D.E.R. (The Digital Education Revolution)

Government Spokesperson:

We’re on the cutting edge of the revolution digital.

Taxation dollars have been spent on laptops minuscule on the principle

They are lightweight, robust, and designed for school.

Everything a student needs, that’s been the rule!

Goodbye to tattered, old-fashioned books

And to frustrated teachers’ dirty looks.

These laptops provide opportunities on the road of life.

Innovation and focused learning mean an end to classroom strife.

We’re on the cutting edge of the revolution digital.

Schools are committed to education evolution continual.

Students:

Takes too long to

Log on!

System crashes –

Overload.

Speed and band width –

Overlooked.

Lessons end with

Little done!

Government Spokesperson:

As in any venture into a new frontier

There are hiccups, so you will hear

Of tribulations technological.

We discount them as problematical.

You can’t have progress without teething pains.

A first world economy is our ultimate aim.

I’m shocked that you say the political has shaped our vision;

The benefits to the electorate were assessed with considerable precision.

The nature of teaching has been revolutionised

By targeted spending on this government’s side.

We’re on the cutting edge of the revolution digital.

We are committed to education evolution continual.

Teachers:

Laptops in bags –

kicked around.

Batteries go flat –

Can’t charge.

Instructions in use?

Not enough!

School desks and chairs –

out-of-date!

DER claims are grand,

Aspirational.

School life?

It’s much the same.

Students and Teachers: Doh!

©Christine M Knight