I am the English Master

I’m in the stuffy class-room
And I’m the teacher here
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 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

-Jan Hanlo, 1912-1969-

(Verzamelde Gedichten, 1970)