Richard Fowler – a Sonnet by Angela Cheveau

Dear ma, I was never ‘dismissed’ from school But I chose to leave of my own accord. I left because my master was a fool And being so clever, I was just bored. I am not some lowly ballard master, Not I, I am destined for greater things. To stay there would have been a disaster You should hear me when I’m singing me hymns. I was born to a desk of polished oak, Not some half-rat nanty narking about. I will one day wear a thick velvet cloak. I am a better man than Nathan Sprout. The master bowed to me, ma, when I left, Wept tears of sadness, the school left.