As an extra-credit project in 7th grade English we had the option to memorize something from Shakespeare. Being a progressive educator, our Teacher Mrs. Hukill allowed us to choose the material. I am sure she expected to hear recitations about a sweet-smelling rose, doubling toil and trouble or perhaps being or not being. But, even at the young age of 12, I was emerging as a jerk of epic proportions. Working toward the coveted title of “Class Clown” or “Most Likely to be Expelled” requires extra effort.
I was fourth in line. When my turn arrived and I announced a sonnet from “The Tempest” boredom had settled over the room. I dug deep, came up with a creepy, lascivious voice and emoted with great passion:
“Where the bee sucks, there suck I:” (I paused to cough so I could start over and turn 2 sucks into 4). Beginning again:
Where the bee sucks there suck I.
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
(NOTE: The sonnet appears in its entirety to demonstrate how intellectually stimulating this website can be…yawn).
(NOTE: The sonnet appears in its entirety to demonstrate how intellectually stimulating this website can be…yawn).
It may not seem like much by today’s standards but letting go with four “sucks” in Junior High English circa 1962 was daring.
Mrs. Hukill and I had history. She had called in my parents for a conference when, on career day, I presented my plans to become a master criminal.
Mrs. Hukill and I had history. She had called in my parents for a conference when, on career day, I presented my plans to become a master criminal.
Yep, a Jerk!