A Child's Poem

The following poem graced the front page of the WCGT (Wisconsin Council for the Gifted & Talented) newsletter in November of 1985. It was shared by Dr. Sally Reis, of Torrington, Connecticut. It was taken from the G/T Digest, a publication of the Association for Gifted & Talented Students, New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Reis had been a consultant for the child’s school district, but no longer had contact information for the author. It would be interesting to see where this child, who is now 46 years old, has landed. 

A Child’s Poem by Chad Curtis, age 9 

I sit in a vacuum day after day,
My brain is turned off accomplishment
And wasting away. 
My fingers are writing, who cares what they say?
Just turn in that paper
Day after day.

I’m bored and I’m tired; I’m lonely and sad,
“No, you’re gifted and lazy
And noisy and bad!”
“Put him in private school, send him away!”
The principals, teachers, and counselors say.

Is it asking so much, would it be such a shame
To find me a challenge instead of someone to blame?
I’m sent out of the classroom to be all alone.
If THIS is how school is, I’d rather stay home!
​
I want to be included, I want to have fun,
I want to feel pleasure when school work is done.

So please get some programs and classes and such,
I know it takes work, but the rewards will be much.
I’m just a small boy, I hardly matter at all,
But small boys grow up into men that are tall.
Don’t let me waste all the years that I’ve got,
Let’s work together, please give me a shot!

I know that many of you recognize students like Chad, and understand his pain and frustration. This is why we do what we do. Thank you for your dedication to gifted learners. 

Ruth Robinson, WATG President, 2003-2004