Memories

sorenbarrett

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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Comments +

Comments12

  • Neville



    Sh ** happens, yet sadly enjoyed .. Memories eh' who would have em .. Neville

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks so much Neville for the review of this piece it is as always most appreciated.

    • arqios

      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!

      • sorenbarrett

        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.

        • arqios

          Yes, too much like fiction some times, but there you go!

        • Demar Desu

          Hold on let me grab my tea and pastry dish before I start reading

          • sorenbarrett

            Take your time Demar there is no rush, so glad for your visit

          • Poetic Licence

            An intriguing write drifting from the chaos of the classroom to the chaos of someone's mind and actions, nicely done

            • sorenbarrett

              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

              • Poetic Licence

                You are very welcome

              • Tristan Robert Lange

                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! 🖤🙏🕯️

                • sorenbarrett

                  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.

                  • Tristan Robert Lange

                    Indeed, I understand and you are most welcome, my friend.

                  • Priya Tomar

                    Nice to read it......
                    Humour to tragic end .....
                    Well written

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thank you Priya for your review of this work. It like life is a mixture of the bitter and the sweet.

                      • Priya Tomar

                        Yes, you're right
                        Most welcome....

                      • Jerry Reynolds

                        Great piece of dark humor, SB.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          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.

                        • Friendship

                          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.

                          • sorenbarrett

                            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

                            • sorenbarrett

                              • Friendship

                                You're very much welcome, Sorenbarrett.

                              • orchidee

                                Good write SB.

                                • sorenbarrett

                                  Thank you Orchi it is appreciated

                                • Damaso

                                  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

                                • Tony36

                                  Excellent write

                                  • sorenbarrett

                                    Thank you so much Tony

                                    • Tony36

                                      You're welcome

                                    • Paul Ramnora

                                      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.

                                      -----

                                      -(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.)-

                                      • sorenbarrett

                                        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.



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