What a Riot

A boy painted his face, put on his silly horns,
And cried for help outside the principal’s office. For these reasons
I am against the teaching of English, it being needlessly rich

In metaphor: I would prefer more safeguarding measures; I would prefer
His story to be less entertaining, released
Before the news—the Netflix series. But that’s showbiz for you! And you like

Serial killer documentaries, don’t you? Me too! Sorry I mean…
Did I say that? No I didn’t mean… O ignore me
Miss. And Sir
Yes, Sir! I know to keep my mouth shut; else I’ll sound paranoid

And start talking twice thinking conspiratorially that
Everyone’s in on it: we walk around them
On the street—“Remember, son: we don’t talk to Jacob
Now, do we (because he wears a silly hat and cries too much [whispered]).”