In the corner of the classroom
Is where Johnny always sat.
With no one to ever swap notes with.
No one to look at.

His clothes were always black-
That's what was all the same.
But the surprise to all on that cold day
Was when Johnny said his name.

Johnny spoke in school today.
He'd always been the quiet one.
But today he stood to say something.
Something never done.

The teacher got real quiet,
The kids would only stare.
And Johnny would just turn away
And curl up in his chair.

Never had a friend or foe-
Johnny went through life alone.
But I wanted to know what brought the change.
I later went down to his home.

His dad was very angry.
Johnny's blood was on the floor.
His dad was beating him and telling him
To never speak up anymore.

Johnny spoke in school today-
It happened just one time.
He never spoke a word again.
He'd been taught that speaking was a crime.

Johnny spoke in school today-
The one day he broke away.
But Johnny never spoke again
Because his father made him pay.

COPYRIGHT 2005 BY DAWN COLCLASURE