From day one, Mr. Smith informed his students, "Writer's block does not exist in this classroom. It is a feeble excuse for a lack of creativity.
Some students wore that familiar baffled look on their faces. Others showed resentment as some effort would be required to pass this course. One student in a snarly fashion asked if he,
Mr. Smith, could be the subject of a composition.
With a steely stare Mr. Smith responded, "Certainly. Remember creative writing can be truthful or pure fiction." In a very ominous tone, he continued, "Just a suggestion...use lots of compliments."
"That idiot expects me to call him nice? Well, if I'm 'creative', then I'm not a liar," Sydney rationalized as he exited Mr. Smith's classroom. After much thought, he composed the following:
Humanity
Humanity is like the terds in a toilet bowl, all the same but different. Mr. Snitty is a real loser. Who wants to be that tird? Flush him down!
Mr. Smitee is not a compleet turd. He tries to help his students. Keep him for organic fertalizer.
Sadly, every day we are surrounded by bullsh-t.
Amen
Assignment completed, Sydney proudy handed it to a sceptical Mr. Smith.
*
Mr. Smith saved reading his "best" students' assignments for last. Upon reading Sydney's paper, he was flabbergasted. Who knew that snarly Sydney had such a creative mind. He just was very technically challenged.
"Class, I have graded each of you on two levels: one for creativity and the other for technical skills, e.g., spelling, punctuation, etc."
Sheer joy washed over Sydney's face as he saw the "A" for creativity but it was quickly wiped off when he noticed the "F" for technical skills.
At the end of the class, Sydney plopped his paper on Mr. Smith's desk after having written a huge "U" to the right of the "F".
The next day, Mr. Smith sent a very disapproving stare in Sydney's direction as Sydney stared back with daggers in his eyes. When the dismissal bell rang, Mr. Smith called Sydney to his desk.
"Sydney, your concept is very different. Keep it. However, your spelling is atrocious..'t-e-r-d', 't-i-r-d', or 't-u-r-d'? Use spell check on everything. Develop your characters. Why is Mr. Snitty a loser and how does Mr. Smitee help his students. Wrap it up nicely. It's most important that you resubmit."
Sydney huffed out of the room slamming the door behind him.
*
"Class, the school board had a competition based upon the students' every day work. No one knew that a competition was being held."
"I am pleased to announce that a member of our class won the third prize worth $25 for his composition titled, Humanity. Sydney Snarles, please come up and claim your prize. We also want to hear you read your entry."
"..........May the goodness of humanity feed the earth and its evil be flushed away."
Those words had convinced Mr. Smith not to flush away an opportunity for Sydney. Graciously, they shook hands.
Some students wore that familiar baffled look on their faces. Others showed resentment as some effort would be required to pass this course. One student in a snarly fashion asked if he,
Mr. Smith, could be the subject of a composition.
With a steely stare Mr. Smith responded, "Certainly. Remember creative writing can be truthful or pure fiction." In a very ominous tone, he continued, "Just a suggestion...use lots of compliments."
"That idiot expects me to call him nice? Well, if I'm 'creative', then I'm not a liar," Sydney rationalized as he exited Mr. Smith's classroom. After much thought, he composed the following:
Humanity
Humanity is like the terds in a toilet bowl, all the same but different. Mr. Snitty is a real loser. Who wants to be that tird? Flush him down!
Mr. Smitee is not a compleet turd. He tries to help his students. Keep him for organic fertalizer.
Sadly, every day we are surrounded by bullsh-t.
Amen
Assignment completed, Sydney proudy handed it to a sceptical Mr. Smith.
*
Mr. Smith saved reading his "best" students' assignments for last. Upon reading Sydney's paper, he was flabbergasted. Who knew that snarly Sydney had such a creative mind. He just was very technically challenged.
"Class, I have graded each of you on two levels: one for creativity and the other for technical skills, e.g., spelling, punctuation, etc."
Sheer joy washed over Sydney's face as he saw the "A" for creativity but it was quickly wiped off when he noticed the "F" for technical skills.
At the end of the class, Sydney plopped his paper on Mr. Smith's desk after having written a huge "U" to the right of the "F".
The next day, Mr. Smith sent a very disapproving stare in Sydney's direction as Sydney stared back with daggers in his eyes. When the dismissal bell rang, Mr. Smith called Sydney to his desk.
"Sydney, your concept is very different. Keep it. However, your spelling is atrocious..'t-e-r-d', 't-i-r-d', or 't-u-r-d'? Use spell check on everything. Develop your characters. Why is Mr. Snitty a loser and how does Mr. Smitee help his students. Wrap it up nicely. It's most important that you resubmit."
Sydney huffed out of the room slamming the door behind him.
*
"Class, the school board had a competition based upon the students' every day work. No one knew that a competition was being held."
"I am pleased to announce that a member of our class won the third prize worth $25 for his composition titled, Humanity. Sydney Snarles, please come up and claim your prize. We also want to hear you read your entry."
"..........May the goodness of humanity feed the earth and its evil be flushed away."
Those words had convinced Mr. Smith not to flush away an opportunity for Sydney. Graciously, they shook hands.
