Academics,
what a word!
But what is it really?
“It’s learning,
it’s intelligence,”
Some might say.

But what are we taught?
Third president?
Thomas Jefferson.
Marie Antoinette’s famous quote?
“Let them eat cake.”
Two and two makes?
Four, of course.
Difference between…
and on, and on, and...

But where’s the thought?
The critical thinking?
Say this! Remember that!
Make sure to include these!
Where’s the phrase
“But what about…?”
Or perhaps,
“But what happens if…?”

We become machines,
machines of others’ ideas,
machines of information.
We must grow,
become independent
in both our thoughts,
and our learning.