A chemistry teacher, we called him Lawrencium, unstable and short of life
Like a ministry preacher, his ten commandments the periodic table and strife
He didn't know any of what he taught, left white phosphorus out of the water
As with fists a girl he fought, blew up the lab narrowly avoided a slaughter
Flooded our class with chlorine gas, had to evacuate the entire school
Played fart tunes on his ass, made up mnemonic songs like an old fool
One day he wasn't there, the principal came in, chaos was running rife
Later we found he had put a bullet under his chin, after he had killed his wife
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: July 29th, 2025 03:30
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 82
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy, Priya Tomar, Tristan Robert Lange, Friendship, Damaso
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Comments14
Sh ** happens, yet sadly enjoyed .. Memories eh' who would have em .. Neville
Thanks so much Neville for the review of this piece it is as always most appreciated.
This piece crackles with dark energy; mixing slapstick chemistry gags and sudden tragedy.
The voice feels raw and unfiltered, driving us from classroom chaos straight into a grim finale.
That jarring pivot, while shocking, gives the poem an unforgettable sting. Some memories do have 'em!
Thanks Cryptic for the read and review. Again there is nothing like life to be comically tragic and although a bit of poetic license was taken this a true life story from the past.
Yes, too much like fiction some times, but there you go!
Hold on let me grab my tea and pastry dish before I start reading
Take your time Demar there is no rush, so glad for your visit
An intriguing write drifting from the chaos of the classroom to the chaos of someone's mind and actions, nicely done
Tobani I thank you not just for the read but for the concise interpretation of this poem. Yes chaos breeds chaos and entropy is a heavy hitter. Your words are most appreciated
You are very welcome
Soren, this starts with absurdity and ends in tragedy…like a punchline that forgets it’s supposed to be funny. The tone walks a razor’s edge...crude, chaotic, and then suddenly, brutally quiet. You captured memory not as nostalgia, but as a wound. Well done! 🖤🙏🕯️
Tristan I thank you humbly for your most poetic response to a memory that I have that I am never sure if I should smile, laugh, or cry. Mixed emotions are the basis of life, seldom pure but muddy waters that one hesitates to drink.
Indeed, I understand and you are most welcome, my friend.
Nice to read it......
Humour to tragic end .....
Well written
Thank you Priya for your review of this work. It like life is a mixture of the bitter and the sweet.
Yes, you're right
Most welcome....
Great piece of dark humor, SB.
Thank you Jerry for your review. Dark yes and I laugh at times but life is stranger than fiction and its jokes are enacted on life's stage and so was this.
To me, this poem explores the tragic complexity of a chemistry teacher's life, juxtaposing his chaotic professional persona with the dark personal turmoil that ultimately leads to his demise. It reflects on the instability of human existence, the consequences of neglect and violence, and the irony of a life dedicated to education ending in tragedy. The outcome to me is that. The poem deals with themes of education, mental health, domestic violence, and the often-hidden struggles of individuals in positions of authority. It paints a picture of a teacher who is deeply flawed and whose failures in both his career and personal life culminate in tragic outcomes.
Thank you Friendship for your interpretation of this poem and its meaning. Yes such flaws can be humorous unit their extremity goes beyond the limit of normal humor and become a dark humor of life itself. Thank you for your review and supportive words
You're very much welcome, Sorenbarrett.
Good write SB.
Thank you Orchi it is appreciated
Wow I am very happy that I have connected that way with the text, an approach and alignment number. Very grateful to read and return. As always a pleasure. Kind regards
Thanks so much
Excellent write
Thank you so much Tony
You're welcome
Very good write, as usual! 😉
At first, I thought this poem was going to be all 'comedy and fiction': Lawrencium; then, with the last two lines...everything 'changed'...into becoming deadly serious.
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-(NOTE: It is my own distinct tendency to read through what other people have said down below/as well as, what were your own replies...before adding my own comments; all of which I find to be very highly enlightening.)-
Thank you Paul for your review. Yes this is a true incident from my youth and life has a way of mixing comedy and tragedy. Your words are most valued and cherished.
Deep
Thanks so much for the read and comment it is appreciated
omg - that was sure to follow, given the way he was behaving...
Thank you for the read and understanding comment. Just one of those childhood memories.
hmm..so many of my poems published here have been written recently / much earlier ...though there are some current ones too
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