Beasts of England you would make us
As we cowered in your class,
Cornered, while the marks were counted,
By the thought we wouldn't pass.

Soon or late the day was coming
When you'd seize me by the hair,
Maddened that I couldn't answer,
And impressed with every stare.

Still I see your swollen forehead,
Wildness in a youthful face,
Thuggish as your matching curses,
When you stormed towards my place.

How I cherished my exclusion
From your empire on the field!
Savage games to groom your players
Seemed a nightmare half-revealed!

But your rage went into hiding,
Clutching hands appeared quite tame,
Youthful charm was re-instated,
On the days the parents came.

As they watched with admiration,
We alone observed the switch,
And we glanced from pig to human,
Hardly knowing which was which.

For a time we studied Orwell,
Learning why his tale was true,
I extended what you taught me,
Certain we had studied you.