I cannot solve this way,”
Said loud and smart Dave Jose.
“I know the measures and the liters.
The sums, numbs’ and circums’ in meters.
My work is set, my notes are right,
I’m checking lines with my might.
My variables are clear to you and me.
I’ve used x, y and z.
And 6 times 3 - that’s eighteen.
And do you think I need to find the mean?
My midpoint is measured, my markings are long -
It could be the copying that is wrong.
I think and ponder and write and erase,
I’m sure that formulas are in place -
My numbers continue when I use pi,
My answer is longer when I multiply.
My wrist is hurting, I think I’m dazed
My arm aches each times it’s raised.
My work is old, my mind is numb,
I have a feeling that I’m dumb.
My pencil is broke, my calculator batteries are low,
I hardly remember what I know.
My work is getting messy,
I want to cheat off of Jessie.
My teacher’s coming, my work ain’t done,
My thoughts are on anything but fun.
My mind is racing, I cannot think,
There is a theorem to fill the link.
I have a sweat, and my heart racing -
What? What’s that? You say I won?
The bell signals that the period is ... done?
G-bye, I’m doing to recess to have some fun!”