‘It’s Picture Day, I can’t Hear You (2022)’

5ft x 4ft

ACRYLIC & OIL STICK

I can’t hear you, it’s picture day (2023)

written by Shaquille-Aaron Keith

Day after day,

I find myself throwing on

the same uniform…

Shirt, blazer and 

can’t forget the smile,

Photographers say cheese 

Though I feel they could say please

At least once in a while.

Once a year 

I neglect all tears

Some given by peers

Just to deliver a moment captured 

By the institution,

Mums paying for overpriced pictures with 

Fake smiles, 

That’s one hell of a conclusion.

And when it’s not this,

I’m playing tunes on a horn I know not 

Too well,

Ironically it drowns out just how much 

Thy own teacher and

Part time music preacher,

does yell…

“Play like this, Play like that,

Play C sharp, Play B flat!”

His voice bellows in my soul 

Like a trombone 

Thoughts between each note is

When can I be left alone? 

Mathematics hurts my self esteem too,

Educators thinking I don’t know the 

Value of 2+2,

“My future looks bleak”

Said an educator,

With all of the above,

I hope for a saviour.

Horns, Lessons and photos,

Not the best examples 

If school wanted some promo,

But I guess 

These are just some memories 

Of school I never say,

Whatever advice you have for me?

I can’t you hear it’s you,

It’s picture day