UNCHRISTIAN BROTHER

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1965 - 1970, I was taught at a Christian Brothers Grammar School in Belfast. Some of those brothers were fantastic. Others were, well, see below......

A teacher from long, long ago
carried a stiff leather strap,
he was more of a gunslinging guy
who was swift to give us a slap.

He was super-fast, quick on the draw
for slow learning or giggling in class,
lost homework or picking your nose,
dozing or scratching your ass.

You would stand, hand out, palm up
as he took two or three practice swings,
then four rapid thumps 'cross your fingers
guaranteed lasting bruises and stings.

It taught us all about discipline,
it taught us about wrong and right,
he was one of the best of our teachers
but also a sadistic wee shite.


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