The Education

I proved that lemma beyond the shadow of a doubt
Logic tree impeccable
Givens in a row
Precise and calculated
To impress Einstein himself

You said if the limit of y equals zero, my proof falls apart
Line three becomes invalid
The givens do not matter
And I am flat out wrong

I wrote an impressive essay on the viability of humor as a tool for advancing political activism
Sources cited perfectly
Footnotes backing up my thesis
Quotes from experts
Like Roosevelt and Stalin

You showed that humor in the nineteen hundreds usually missed its mark and failed
To effect a lasting change
That parody produced entertainment
And I needed to read some more

I composed a remarkable waltz in five four time to revolutionize the music industry
And choreographed the dance
With simple steps
That anyone could follow
In the style of Strauss and company

You pointed out the weakness inherent in three chord progressions
Noting where a minor key
Could make the twirling sparkle
And told me to start over

I said I would never undertake to be original again
My math had soured
Words failed me
No one danced to my music
And no one ever would

You led me to your desk, retrieving sheaves of paper bound in ribbons blue with age
Scribbles on your dissertation draft
Red circles slashing page-long proofs
Tightly written notes defining errors in your reason
Clarinet solos marked beyond recognition
Failure written on the work that you had done
Failure written on the work that you had done?

I added a minor inversion to the second movement
And glanced up to see you dancing

(c) 2001, Ruth Hanna Sachs. Excerpted from Changing Seasons.