To let dd perform this for english

[redheadandgoingtobed]

wonderingminstrels.blogspot.co.uk/2000/11/deep-sorriness-atonement-song-glyn.html

She really wants to do it and it is her last english lesson this year. Teachers, what would you think. Is it too rude? She is in y7.

If she really likes it then leave her to it, did she pick it out herself? If so she could've gone ahead and you'd never even know!

If she did want an alternative what about Warning? m.poemhunter.com/poem/warning/

First time I clicked the link I ended upwith a poem about algebra, I kept reading over it trying to find the references to masturbation and thinking everyone knows something I don't about sexy algebra! Sorry op, it's ok, but not the best choice imho. Why not have a look online for something that appeals to Dr but that the class will 'get' and enjoy x

DD not Dr!

My dd also in Y7 read the Jabberwocky for a similar task but also looked at Colonel Fazackery. She would not understand many of the references in the OP's poem.

Dh rather unhelpfully suggested This Be The Verse by Larkin

What about that poem that starts:

There was a young girl from nantucket......

How about,
"They fck you up, your Mum and Dad,
They might not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had,
And add some extra, just for you."

• 2 more verses ending, "And don't have any kids yourself." (Philip Larkin) That should do it

Ah, I started writing before I saw your post Mysillydog!

SanityClause - that poem is absolutely beautiful!

Not fussy on that poem, but if your DD likes it ...

Classic poems like Tyger Tyger or I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings would be better imo,but if I were choosing one for someone in that age group to perform I'd probably go for something like this one:
www.endicott-studio.com/poetrylist/once-upon-a-time-she-said-by-jane-yolen-1.html

If I was the teacher or the parents of the other children, I would think she had smartarse parents. Sorry.

MrsDeVere. Oh I know, north of Watford and all that. Great poem though. Love JCC.

Can't see why there'd be a problem tbh. they're in secondary. teacher might be delighted at a relatively original choice. Am bemused at poster who thinks other students parents will be offended

'Am bemused at poster who thinks other students parents will be offended'

Not a teacher then, I assume?

No thankfully. seriously tho, parents are that over involved that they'd complain about something another student said... do they expect to surround their child with bubblewrap forever??

Maybe this? www.poetryarchive.org/poem/timothy-winters

Omit the section starting with 'Old Man Winters' perhaps.

Sadly I think this poem is not entirely irrelevant even now.

Or I think that this would work quite well, edited for brevity. The other kids will probably decide that your DD is officially coming out by reading it, though. It's up to you whether that is a debate you wish to ignite!

www.poetseers.org/poets/john-betjeman/love-song/

But do the complaining parents censor everything their children see and read? wow....

Y7 can be a huge shock to parents who are very protective, and with their PFB. By the time the second hits Y7, they are resigned to the changes.
They often take a year or two to adjust to the fact they no longer have absolute control over every miniscule detail, that they might not see the class teacher every day to 'just ask a question or two..' That they don't know all the children and parents their child comes into contact with.
That their poppet might take the freedoms on offer and run like the wind with them...
Most are fine.

I like the poem, and I'm sure half the references would fly over the heads of the parents too.

It has a lot going on, and a lot of interesting lines to lead to further study and educational reading, a better understanding of social culture, etc. Who were the Light Brigade? Why was Kings Cross worse than Euston? Who were The Quarrymen? I think it's very good, and certainly stuff that can be dealt with in an age appropriate way. And as for the Sodomites, I think that it serves as a useful reminder that the Bible isn't all love'n'light (and Sodomy isn't just about anal sex).

Unless she can understand it and knows the history behind the lines I'd say no. I'd still be wary even if she did.

I think it has a distasteful smug tone that smacks of arrogance. I don't think it's funny at all.

Is OP stealth boasting?

When we were 17 (AP honours English, seniors in high school) we had to recite poems. Everyone lost interest if more than 8 lines. I chose Jabberwocky which nobody liked (least of all me, but I loathe poetry anyway and can't understand what OP's poem is about, some kind of whining?).

Guy in my class chose Like a Virgin by Madonna. Everyone was in stitches esp. teacher. That was inspired.

I think there's a risk of upsetting others with language, stereotypes and sexual references.
Why this poem in particular?
Can your DD choose any poem she likes or does it have to be a certain theme/author/style??

"Is OP stealth boasting?"

Yes of course she is! But it's an interesting thread so who cares?

For what it's worth, I have always let my children have access to stuff that other parents might not approve of, but i have also been very careful what they share with their peers- particularly when they were still quite young.

LadyPlumpington

I studied Timothy Winters in either my first or second year of secondary school back in the late 80s, including that verse. No big deal, and certainly less risque than some of the passages of Genesis we studied in RE, complete with references to Sodom although I don't remember Onan.

Can't say I think much of the OP's daughter's choice to be honest. Just a lot of clever remarks to make a slightly laboured point.