Up The Down Staircase

Stop clowning, Lou. I just want you to know you were right. You were absolutely right.

You got a cold?

Who's got a pen to loan me?

You want my Kleenex?

Quit pushing!

I don't need a Delaney, I'm dropping out.

See me after school, and we'll talk about it.

Can I have a pass? I've got to leave the room—

I've got a doctor's note to prove it!

Hey, the window's broke!

Pipe down, you guys, you know she means business!

Acevedo, Fiore?

Here.

Adamson, Ruth?

Here.

Please come to order. I can't hear you when you—

Put that chair down! Amdur Janet?

Here.

Good morning, Rusty. Why are you late?

I'm not late—I had my English changed. I wanted you.

I'm glad. Well—find a place to stand. Axelrod, Leon?—No, Don't bother me with these circulars until I'm through with attendance. Axelrod, Leon? Is he absent?

Him? He's always absent!

You're lucky he's not here!

Boy, will he give you trouble!

Hey, I'm too crowded!

My desk is full of holes!

Is this the right room?

Hi, teach!

Hi, pupe! . . . Belgado, Ramos?

,

From Collected Poems, Harper & Row, Publishers. Copyright 1921, 1946 by Edna St. Vincent Millay. By permission of Norma Millay Ellis.