Eighth Grade Medusa
by Anonymous
She's six feet tall
with ruby red plaited hair
and limbs like giant oaks.
But her voice—
5 so syrupy sweet
drew me in like a fly to flypaper.
"You're so brave," she cooed, her polished pointer finger touching my elfish nose.
"I bet you're the only one in the whole school that can go into the office and retrieve my hockey stick."
Involuntarily, I felt my head nod in agreement—
10 Though I knew not why.
The stick—her stick—was in the office for a reason.
The whole school—and the poor tulips in the greenhouse—knew the offense.
During lunch I went to do her bidding.
No one in the office even glanced my way.
15 I wrapped my sweaty hand around the wooden stick—
but then let go.
I would not be her pawn.
In class she called my name—so very sweetly
Do not turn around
20 Do not turn around
I begged myself—but her voice
was like an angel and I couldn't help it—
And then that Medusa gave me such a look,
I would've rather turned to stone.
How does the setting affect the poem's theme?
A.
It suggests that schools are good places to have greenhouses.
B.
It shows that teachers encourage their students to use kind words.
C.
It confirms that beautiful people are found all over the world.
D.
It reveals that cunning people can be found in everyday places.
1 answer