A Sonnet in my Bonnet

Here´s one that bothered me earlier…

Schooled families are all alike, but each

homeschooled is different in its own way

Some live on boats beyond the river´s reach

others in houses camouflaged in clay:

We merge with you about our daily business

You wouldn’t recognise us in the street

Except that Children Running Wild are witness

and “Not in School today?” is how we greet.

Beware: this is a secret ripe for spilling

that anyone can do this: it’s the law

You don’t need their permission – just be willing

to quote the act of 1944

that dream of school for all to realise

– but for two pregnant words:  Or Otherwise.