Hard Lessons

Latest

Donae Johnican was a visionary, sixteen-year old musician who wrote this song shortly before he was struck and killed by a train on March 19 in San Jose, California. His passing was mourned and his life celebrated by hundreds of family members, classmates, and friends. His spirit lives on in our hearts and all around us. We love you, Donae! Photo/silicon valley deBug

Hard Lessons
By Donae James Johnican
In reality
It feels like school’s against me
Cus no matter what I know,
If I don’t pass that test
Then they won’t let me go.
And if I’m not on time
No matter what’s going on in my life
I will be penalized,
And now there’s tears in my eyes.
I might not walk the stage.
They didn’t teach me the right way.
He didn’t like his job,
I don’t know what he taught,
His only worry was getting paid
Someday they’ll learn to change their ways,
To read the tears of the kids who don’t cross the stage.
Teaching’s not just a job,
It’s like a gift from God,
You gotta do it the right way,
You gotta do it the right way.
I imagined a school before
Where teachers would make sure
That you were ready for
Any challenge that life would throw at you.
Take time one on one,
So that you knew what to do,
And if you weren’t at school
They would pick up the phone
And call you at home.
If you failed a test
They’d let you take it again,
Go over every question til you got 100 percent.
Between a teacher and a student
There must be a bond,
Where the student is willing
And the teacher flexible and headstrong.
Where money comes last
And education comes first.
But until then I guess we’ll just have to learn
Someday they’ll learn to change their ways,
To read the tears of the kids who don’t cross the stage.
Teaching’s not just a job,
It’s like a gift from God,
You gotta do it the right way,
You gotta do it the right way,
You gotta do it the right way.
~Donae James Johnican
1966-2013

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

1 COMMENT

  1. Aye, he was such an old soul. The brightest smile in any room. I mean, he even gave dirt sentimental value.
    Either way, his birth year was 1996, not 1966. Lol!
    Much love,

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

No Kings Rallies Show the Fight Is On!

No King's Day showed people's rising awareness of how dangerous the situation has become, and that everyone’s rights, standard of living, and democracy itself is in danger. Millions are mobilizing to confront the situation.

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

More from the People's Tribune